There are 123,000 people across Somerset who are digitally excluded. Typically, this means that our clients need support to turn on their devices, search the internet, set up and send emails, and to access community and health support online. Access to digital support can improve people's health and well being outcomes, connecting them to their communities, families, and services. We provide support to any digitally excluded individual who is a resident of Sedgemoor, Taunton and West Somerset, the Mendips, and South Somerset via 1:1 sessions, either in a client's home, or as part of a community hub. This support is provided by a network of Digital Champions who are fully trained and supported by Spark iT.
We are committed to providing a quality volunteering experience for all of our Digital Champions. We provide extensive training and support, and welcome all volunteers who have a sound level of digital knowledge. Our Digital Champions work in their local communities, either in clients' homes or in community hubs, helping digitally excluded people to increase their confidence in using their devices and learning skills to help them connect to health, well being, community and social opportunities.
In addition to providing Digital Champions within communities, Spark iT also runs a help line which is open to all callers across Somerset, and a device loan scheme via professional referral, for people whose health and well being would be improved by having day-to-day access to a digital tablet.
