image
1

hands

Manchester offers digital assistance to its vulnerable residents

Manchester offers digital assistance to its vulnerable residents

The city wants to help all those who have access to the internet but are not confident in using it

While most people in Europe currently boast access to the internet, many of them are not proficient in its use. And a large part of them feel not at all confident when approaching the subject and might face great difficulties when it comes to using it for a number of tasks. Especially in these extraordinary times, access and more importantly, the use of the internet has become of paramount importance due to the fact that many services have moved entirely into the digital world.

And it is precisely those who are most vulnerable who need help in understanding the basics and in getting better at using the internet, that the city of Manchester wants to assist. Through its new service, anyone facing difficulties in using internet services can give Manchester’s Community Response Hub a call, in order to get immediate tips and help from local volunteers.

Taking care of the most vulnerable

The volunteers at the Community Response hub are proficient in providing technical support, as they come from either the Manchester City Council’s Library Service the, Manchester Adult Education Service, Citizens Advice, or one of the city's UK Online Centres. Their advice can range from connecting a device to the internet to accessing specific information on different topics and services provided by local and national authorities. They can also help with the online filling of forms and documents, should there be such a need.

Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, stated that “During the lockdown, many of us have relied on our computers or smartphones for a huge range of benefits every day, from keeping in touch with friends and family to ordering food and goods.

"Digital technology can be a massive practical help - but we know that not everyone can confidently use the internet.  That's why we've launched this new service, which will help people to stay connected with their loved ones, avoid feelings of isolation and access vital information and public services."

Newsletter

Back

Growing City

All

Smart City

All

Green City

All

Social City

All

New European Bauhaus

All

Interviews

All

ECP 2021 Winner TheMayorEU

Latest