Digital support scheme expands into homes
BBCThose struggling to use their smartphones and other digital devices will soon be able to access support at home thanks to an expansion of a scheme.
Run by DIGI Partnership the Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative already hold support sessions in community hubs across the county.
And due to funding by the Department of Science Innovation and Technology, the scheme will soon be rolled out in homes.
Alex Digby from Forest Voluntary Action Forum, one of eight community groups behind the scheme, said their work was all about creating a "safe space" for people struggling in a digital world.
The volunteer-run support sessions, which currently run fortnightly and take place in churches, cafes and town halls, include information about different digital devices and learning how to spot online scams.
Mr Digby said one of the barriers to engagement was people "feeling embarrassed" about being scammed but explained the sessions were all about making sure people did not feel alone.
"Just having that reassuring conversation to say you're not alone in this and here's the steps to take, helps," he said.
He also said the scheme's expansion into homes will also make support more accessible as some struggle and cannot get to sessions already taking place in community hubs.
The new DIGI at Home visits are set to begin in January and will provide tailored advice in six free sessions.
For Mr Digby he said the scheme was all about "creating a movement in society where we look out for each other".
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