Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council Project
Digital Kent has received funding from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to deliver digital support to digitally excluded residents of the district. Using funding from the Business Rates Retention Pilot Programme and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), we have been able to offer 2-in-1 touch screen laptops to residents of Tonbridge & Malling, and digital skills support sessions to support residents in their digital journey.
The project has met with fantastic success so far, approving almost 100 applications since it was launched. The applications have come from people from a wide range of backgrounds, with many looking for support with job seeking. With the majority of job applications being received online, having a laptop has become key to not only finding available jobs, but being upskilled with their digital skills that are often vital for work itself. With so many employment courses being available online too, it is so important for job seekers to have access to the resources they need to find work. Many applicants have also mentioned their mental health struggles, and how these have limited their access to the outside world. The world is becoming increasingly digital, and those without access can easily become isolated and left behind. A laptop can offer a lifeline for so many people: we have heard from those recovering from domestic abuse, those with physical disabilities, those seeking education courses and online study, those claiming benefits, those homeschooling their children, those who volunteer, who want to contact friends and family, who wish to connect to their community.
The Digital Kent team have been attending many local events to promote the scheme and spread the word of what we can offer. We met over 30 clients in East Malling Supermarket, providing referrals to all who needed it. We also went along to East Malling Job Club and Tonbridge Baptist Church and Community Larder for around another 25 referrals. Since these events, we’ve received many more referrals from those who have heard about the scheme, so word is spreading of the great support we can offer!
Our most recent laptop collection session was fantastically successful, with 26 laptops successfully collected and set up by residents, hosted in the East Malling Centre. Katie, the office manager commented how many people were smiling and so grateful for the laptop as well as the support. She said it was a great day with so many positives for the local community. She is looking forward to welcoming us back whenever we need to as well as building on our new and exciting relationship.
We also had great support at this session from one of our Digital Champions, Andrew. Our Digital Champions Network was set up to find volunteers to support individuals with their digital skills, and Andrew was instrumental in delivering and supporting the set-ups of these new laptops. He has already arranged to meet regularly with one of the residents who was provided a laptop, to help them improve their digital skills, and he is very keen to support more residents as often as he can. We’re so grateful for his help, and can't wait to hear how he supports even more people wider in Kent.
Our Digital Kent team has also been doing great things, with residents passing on their thanks to our Engagement Officer Daisy Robb for her help in setting up their laptops, taking them through how to use it step by step. Our Project Officer Becki Thomas also spoke to one lady who passed on her particular gratitude – she is currently taking part in a Level 3 Education course, and up until now was writing 3000-word essays on her mobile phone! She spoke about how life changing a laptop will be, allowing her to focus even better on her education and completing her Education course. We wish her all the best, and can't wait to hear how she gets on!
This has also allowed us to promote schemes wider within Kent County Council’s Financial Hardship Department, particularly with regards to the Household Support Fund. While we’ve been out in the community, we’ve been spreading the word about the food and energy vouchers available through the Household Support Fund and supporting with applications. We’re always keen to support residents holistically, not just looking at digital exclusion but all areas that we could offer support, signposting them to other amazing schemes and opportunities available to them.
If you know anyone in the Tonbridge & Malling district who would benefit from the gifting of a laptop, you can find full details of our eligibility criteria on our website here along with details of how to apply: Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council | Digital Inclusion & Capabilities | Digital Kent
For more stories like this, check our news page.
