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 19th November we hosted a fourth meeting to discuss digital inclusion in Wandsworth. 27 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/MC66ueLAmwpX42bwJBvzK38LALjnbYR27Zn5q2hAaqJJ0d5UgkHoiDXGPqNTeagO.JyW4VsLfcwtd-Y_Z Access Passcode: 55S*&20v
Key: You will see below that action points are underlined.
Update from our 3 working groups
A. Mapping
Raj updated the group. This working group has developed an initial list of organisations working in Wandsworth on Digital Support. It is trying to populate the list with information. Here’s a link to the list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rDTbMqYmPLhes37qE4txBC50wTL8BHFJxZSnOve3l68/edit?usp=sharing They plan to spend 3 months mapping, but it could take 6 months. It’s a big piece of work!
Action: All to share information with Raj ([email protected]) about their own digital support work , as well as other additional groups/organisations to add to this list.
B. Data/Connectivity
Sarah updated the group. This working group is developing a picture of what’s going on in the borough in terms of devices, data and connectivity. They are also collecting good practice examples from across London and the UK.
Pat shared initial results from a survey of 60 Primary Schools in Wandsworth (just before half-term) about how many pupils/families have computing devices and internet access:
The group recognised that a survey of secondary schools would be useful too.
It was agreed that Wandsworth Digital did not have a clear idea of who was doing what across the Council. Better information needs to be shared.
Citizens Advice are systematically asking everyone they see now (about 500 people each week) about their digital needs. Action: Mary-Ann to report back findings when she can.
Action: This working group was asked to spend some time developing strategies and ideas to get local residents and companies to donate more devices to groups like Power to Connect, Dons Local Action Group, Youth Support Trust and more. The demand is there from local residents but there are not enough devices to distribute to them.
C. Skills & Training
Isabel update the group. Her presentation can be found here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ROhZhMoh_p_9j4pr4KV97kTCy6evKIUDFPkJrjJpaUE/edit?ts=5fa92487
This working group is trying to understand what skills training is being offered across the borough, and then better coordinate it, and bring in more if needed.
The group felt it important to take a person-centred approach to any training. And to take into account people’s worries, shyness, lack of confidence, as well as physical/cognitive/learning barriers people may have. Language barriers and cost (of devices, connectivity and training) were also raised.
Action: This working group to include Library services in their discussions.
Lockdown 2 – what more can we be doing?
Info from Wandsworth Council about coronavirus here: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/coronavirus
And here’s a useful leaflet ‘where to get support during lockdown 2’: https://wandsworth.gov.uk/media/7640/support_in_wandsworth_during_coronavirus_pandemic.pdf Action: please share this leaflet with your members and other local organisations.
Wandsworth Council and Central Government’s responsibility is to those residents who are deemed to be ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable’ (more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/clinically-extremely-vulnerable-receive-updated-advice-tailored-to-local-covid-alert-levels). There are 8,848 Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people in Wandsworth. They are being contacted with information about where to get support and advice during the second lockdown. If they can afford it their food needs will be supported by local supermarkets (giving them priority delivery slots, for example) and their regular support networks. The Council will only make food deliveries in extreme circumstances. Central Government will not be sending out food parcels. If you are not Clinically Extremely Vulnerable then you will have to seek support from family, friends, carers and local support groups etc. You can contact the Council’s Community Hub too.
Wandsworth Council is gearing up their Community Hub again, increasing capacity with more staff. They will support local residents as best they can within the Council or refer on to local partners.
Wandsworth Community Hub contact details: If you or someone you know needs this support and they don’t have existing family, friends or other support that can step in, then please contact 0208 871 6555 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or [email protected]. And more info here: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/public-health/coronavirus/where-can-i-find-help-or-support/community-hub/
The Council have nearly £1m in hardship funds available for local residents, e.g. Discretionary Local Fund. Please share info you’re with your members and other local organisations here: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/housing/benefits-and-support/discretionary-support-grants/
For a list of Food Provider Groups in Wandsworth visit here: https://www.klsettlement.org.uk/kls-blog/news/get-support-from-covid-food-provider-groups-across-wandsworth/
Funding opportunities
Action: Please keep your eyes open for funding opportunities for Wandsworth Digital. Thanks.
AOB
Steve P. suggested that we brief local councillors about the work of Wandsworth Digital and get their support for this work. Action: Aaron to organise something.
Rosie suggest that we pull together a bank of case studies and examples of the digital support work already happening in the borough. Action: Everyone to send Aaron examples, who will put together a short report and an online case study repository (via google drive).
Date of next meeting
We agreed to meet on Monday 14th December, 10.00-11.30am, on Zoom.
Heres’ the link>>>> https://zoom.us/j/96429558781?pwd=Sm5rZEpoYlc0eWl0Y0YrVGxWbG5pUT09
Meeting ID: 964 2955 8781 AND Passcode: 260525
This is an open meeting so if you’d like to attend then do join us.
Volunteer needed to help with branding
Finally, if anyone knows someone who could volunteer and develop a brand identity (incl. logo) for Wandsworth Digital pro bono then please contact Aaron at [email protected]
Donate an old laptop
Until then if you’d like to donate an old laptop then please contact www.powertoconnect.co.uk