On behalf of a partnership of public and voluntary sector organisations, we wanted to hear from residents of North Tyneside and voluntary sector organisations about what they thought about digital inclusion and what would help residents to get support to be more digitally included when they want it. Read a report on the key findings here.
Our report of key findings summarises local residents’ views about ‘digital’ and sets out the support that people said would help them to use technology more if they want to. We have also produced a report including much more detail which is intended as a useful tool for practitioners.
People told us:
- Discussing digital technology is a real turn off for many, and we need to talk to people about what they want to do rather than how to use pieces of equipment.
- Residents feel pressured to do things digitally and they fear being left behind or getting a poorer quality service.
- Many are scared or lack confidence in using technology and fear being scammed.
- There is uncertainty about what equipment is right for them.
- Cost is a real barrier e.g. buying equipment, data, wifi etc.
- Residents don’t know what help and support is available or how to ask for it, many think there isn’t enough help available in North Tyneside.
The solutions we identified with residents include:
- The best way to engage people in conversations is to talk about what they want to do and how technology can help them. Consider ways to get people talking more about ‘digital’ in everyday contexts.
- Ways we could support people to get the ‘kit’ they need.
- The need for coordinated, easy access information about support including a ‘one-stop-shop.’
- The need for a coordinated support offer across North Tyneside. To include self-help and peer support, basic frontline assistance within the community, complemented by detailed one-to-one support.
Read our key findings report for more information. If you want to see even more detail about these issues you can read the reference report. Please email us at info@hwnt.co.uk for a copy or call us on 0191 263 5321.
What happens next
These findings form a key part of the action plan to deliver North Tyneside’s Digital Inclusion Strategy which will be published later in 2023.
Thank you
We are grateful to everyone involved in this work and to NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board for funding this work.
| Digital Inclusion in North Tyneside – Residents’ Views and Practical Solutions | Download File (pdf 437.95 KB) |
