Sanctuary Group’s digital communities programme has been launched to teach residents the benefits of digital technology and is opening up a world of new learning opportunities for residents across the country. The national programme has already helped 300 residents in more than 40 schemes by providing access to the internet and computer equipment, as well as delivering specialist IT training.
Five retirement schemes around England have been established as ‘digital hubs’ for their regions, where tenants from other schemes can go along and build their IT abilities. In addition, the residents have set up 23 computer clubs across the country, with several trainees attending each session to learn new skills.
Residents in Sanctuary’s supported schemes are also benefiting from the programme – nationwide, young people aged 18 to 24 now have access to computers and IT training, allowing them to build their CVs and apply for jobs online, with many moving into new education or employment opportunities as a result of the programme.
Sanctuary is now expanding the project to more properties across the country, including care homes and more supported living schemes. It is also giving staff the opportunity to get involved with the digital inclusion project through its volunteering programme, where employees can visit a scheme to give IT training and guidance to interested residents.
Sophie Atkinson, head of community investment and sustainability, Sanctuary Group, said, “As well as providing computer hardware to our residents, we also want to make sure that they have the necessary skills to use the equipment, which is why we are moving towards a focus on training provision.
“In fact, our residents have already given us feedback that they would like to build up their digital abilities, so by focusing on education we are making the project as meaningful as possible for them.”
