Wandsworth Digital: Feedback from Fifth Meeting (14Dec20)

At Katherine Low Settlement we’re working towards Wandsworth becoming the most digitally inclusive borough in London by 2024. To do this we need the whole community involved.

On 14th December we hosted a fifth meeting to discuss digital inclusion in Wandsworth. 28 people attended. They came from a variety of community organisations, schools and colleges, business and the Council. The group agreed it need to bring more people and organisations into the discussion and subsequent work ahead of us.

Meeting Notes

Listen back to the meeting here: https://zoom.us/rec/share/OCWiSL8Yidy0FdrRIh4bcklzhKo4qS1DuWsuLVerdIdPqB29Zv2PoGZeU0t6RnIs.0nwUj98QMm53PnGC Access Passcode: uP=&38y2

Key: You will see below that action points are underlined.

Speaker

Aseel from Tech Talent Charter shared her experience of being a refugee, training to be an electronics engineer, returning to work, and her subsequent career in tech.

Aseel mentioned Code First Girls https://codefirstgirls.org.uk/ and https://bcswomen.bcs.org/bcs-the-chartered-institute-for-it-and-coding-black-females-cbf-offer-bcs-membership-bursaries/ (amongst others).

Update from our 3 working groups

A. Mapping

Raj updated the group. A short questionnaire has been developed and needs to be shared across Wandsworth. Action: Everyone to complete the survey themselves AND share this survey with at least 3 people through your networks.

Please share this: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rDTbMqYmPLhes37qE4txBC50wTL8BHFJxZSnOve3l68/edit#gid=0

B. Skills & Training

Isabel updated the group. Andrew (Hestia) was coordinating this group but has now left his role at Hestia. Isabel, Del, David and Santino are picking this up and developing a digital champion training programme to launch in the new year.

C. Data/Connectivity

Sarah C. / Mary-Ann updated the group on funding from the Council’s including funding for laptops and data for residents via the new Winter Grant Fund (see link below).

Sarah reminded everyone to refer residents to the Discretionary Social Fund if they are in hardship and need support: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housing/benefits-and-support/discretionary-support-grants/apply-for-covid-19-discretionary-social-fund/ The process for applying has been made a lot easier and shorter by the Council (takes approx. 15 mins – thank you).

Mary-Ann noted that more public services are becoming Digital by Default and therefore excluding people.

D. Relationships with the Council 

Aaron updated the group about his meetings with Paul Martin (CEO of Wandsworth Council), various lead councillors and Battersea MP Marsha de Cordova. The objective has been to inform the Council of Wandsworth Digital work and to get them more involved at a senior level. With a long-term commitment and investment of resources into making Wandsworth digitally inclusive. This work is on-going.

Funding

Steve updated the group about Wandsworth Council’s recent announcement about funding for digital as part of the Winter Grant Fund, and funds through Adult and Children’s services. More here: https://democracy.wandsworth.gov.uk/documents/b17120/Supplementary%20Addendum%20Paper%20No.%2020-378%2003rd-Dec-2020%2019.30%20Finance%20Resources%20and%20Climate%20Susta.pdf?T=9

More announcements will come in the new year.

Aaron is also talking to the National Lottery Community Fund about potential funding for Wandsworth Digital later this week.

Roger (Workmatch) told the group about a fund that Ingeus have for unemployed residents to access to get them back into work, including for digital skills training and more. It is open to jobseekers based in the central London boroughs. Quickest referral routes would be via Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches, or self-referral on Ingeus’ website: www.centrallondonworks.co.uk

Roger estimates that 20% of people accessing support from Workmatch are digitally excluded.

Tony suggested that we lobby the Home Office to make this sort of fund available for asylum seekers and refugees.

Julie (WCA) reminded everyone that they are hosting a ‘Meet the Funder’ event on 14^th January 2021 with the Lottery. Book an appointment for a 1:1 session with Julie by emailing her: [email protected]

Action: Please keep your eyes open for funding opportunities for Wandsworth Digital. Thanks.

Updates/Sharing

• Kerry (KLS – Age Well project) told the group about the 12 Zooms of Christmas for local older people. More here: https://www.klsettlement.org.uk/kls-blog/elderly/12-zooms-of-christmas-calling-older-people-in-battersea/ (spread the word)
• Robert (Share) told the group about Share’s work to support and train their members during lockdown.
• Tony (WOPF) told the group about using the telephone alongside zoom to train and support older people to get online.
• Peter (Mind) told the group about their work with residents with mental health issues to become more digital.
• Sarah R (BBN & Soundminds) told the group about the way in which Soundminds online choir has enabled more people to join and get involved; and how the NHS working with carers of people with mental health issues are being more involved online.
• Rajesh (DLAG) told the group about how his mother and hundreds of others come together and socialise by playing cards online.

Governance and plans for 2021

The group agreed that Aaron would develop a small steering group (approx. 6 people from charity, public (Council and NHS), private sectors) to lead Wandsworth Digital, including developing a plan for 2021 with roles & responsibilities, targets and timelines. This steering group would also work out how it would involve the wider Wandsworth Digital network; as well as bringing in the private sector to the partnership.

Action: Aaron to lead on forming this steering group in January and report back to the wider network.

Date of next meeting

Meeting dates for 2021 will be agreed once the governance has been sorted in the new year.

Donate an old laptop

Until then if you’d like to donate an old laptop then please contact www.powertoconnect.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!