Digital literacy training launched to combat social exclusion

Training sessions focusing on mobile phone and computer usage have commenced in the vicinity of Doncaster. Participants in these sessions, organized by Citizens Advice in Thorne, reported increasing difficulty in tasks such as ordering prescriptions, submitting benefit applications, or managing bank accounts without internet access. The charitable organization indicated that the expense associated with acquiring a device and subscribing to broadband services could also impede access to the internet. Andrew Mattholie, aged 75, a workshop attendee, expressed feeling “left out of a lot of opportunities” due to his non-use of social media platforms. Mr Mattholie stated, “There are situations where a provider is giving special deals which I don’t know about, mainly to do with car insurance and keeping up with energy costs.” He further mentioned feeling isolated from social gatherings with friends because he lacked a Facebook account. Sue Bull, 69, commented that her inability to connect online had “affected [her] quite a lot”. She questioned, “People are telling you to download an app, for prescriptions or online banking, but how do you download it? What do you do?” The objective of these digital skills courses is to enhance participants’ confidence, with tablets being supplied to students upon completion. Ray Irwin of Citizens Advice noted that the expense of internet access also presented an obstacle for some individuals. He quoted, “Getting on to the internet, you’re looking at £20-£30 a month to get on to broadband.” He explained that applications for council tax reduction or housing benefits were exclusively online in numerous areas of Britain, potentially excluding those most in need. Ian McHugh, a participant in a digital skills event, recounted that his cousin had been unable to access her bank account for approximately four months following the closure of her local branch, owing to her inability to utilize online banking. Mr McHugh stated, “She can’t continue to access her bank account, so in effect I’m having to pay things for her and hope that I can get paid back.” He added, “People assume that everyone is online, that it’s simple. But for some people it really is a big challenge.” A spokesperson for the trade association UK Finance affirmed that banks were dedicated to guaranteeing ongoing in-person access to services via shared hubs and various other programs. A Citizens Advice spokesperson announced that the course would be offered at additional locations throughout South Yorkshire. The charity additionally encouraged organizations to offer non-digital alternatives for resources, such as printed leaflets, or services accessible by telephone.