Housing and employability provider BCHA’s Bournemouth Digital Programme has now given 132 ‘digitally excluded’ people computer skills. 

The programme was launched in June 2022 for people who could not get the services they needed online.

BCHA’s Bournemouth Digital Programme is totally free.

Class in action, credit: BHCA

Funded by the Good Things Foundation under an initiative called Power Up, BHCA is now looking to help even more people become confident in navigating the online world.

It is estimated that over a third of Dorset residents are digitally excluded, 20 per cent of these people lack essential skills whilst 11 per cent are totally offline.

The people these numbers represent are often older residents who would benefit from online health and banking services, or working people who use computers but still have limited digital skills.

Andy Merchant, who is the co-ordinator of Bournemouth Digital, said: “We are incredibly pleased with the success of the programme to date.

“Many people lack the confidence or the day-to-day computing skills necessary in our increasingly digital society to do things like online banking, filling in electronic forms, or even gaining meaningful employment – but Bournemouth Digital can help them to acquire that confidence.’’

The course is offered through rolling, five-week courses across various community hubs and libraries in Bournemouth.

Content on the course includes: learning basic computer functionality, getting to grips with sending emails, uploading and sending attachments via email, online job searching, online banking, document editing, and staying safe online.

Bournemouth Digital logo, credit: BHCA

87 year old Poole resident and course attendee Avis Niven said: “I have a lap-top and a tablet and phone. But I have forgotten a lot in the 15 years since I retired as a PA, and I have found this course invaluable.

“I like family history and want to be able to use my computer for my research.

“Andy is very patient and understanding and we all learn at our own pace. I would highly recommend the course to anyone.”

The programme is open to anyone living in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, aged 18-plus with few or no digital skills.

BHCA is also looking for donations of unused but functioning laptops and phones.