Sponge support Digital Unite to launch its Connect@Xmas Campaign
Leading digital learning provider Sponge has supported Digital Unite, an award-winning digital inclusion organisation, to create a series of free modules to help people connect at Christmas.
We always think about helping others, but who is helping the helpers? Sponge, award-winning elearning provider, and Digital Unite, a social enterprise that inspires positive change through digital skills and specialises in Digital Champion model, have launched a series of free mini courses to teach others how to be a connector.
The modules form part of Digital Unite’s new Connect@Xmas campaign, designed to encourage those with digital skills and confidence to help those without.
“Covid-19 has made digital connections more important than ever because normal social connections aren’t normal. Digital technology and digital skills can’t solve this, but they can help”, says Emma Weston OBE, Chief Executive of Digital Unite.
“According to the Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index 2020, 78% of people they spoke with say the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the need for digital skills, and 80% say that using technology has been a vital support to them. We have launched a Christmas campaign to urge everyone who can use the Internet to help someone else who can’t, or who is lacking in confidence.”
The Connect@xmas website (https://connect.digitalunite.com/) is full of ideas, learning and resources that are easy to use and can spark digital know-how that will last all year round.
Why help others get connected?
In the UK, 9 million people can’t use the Internet confidently on their own, and 11.7 million people don’t have good enough digital skills for everyday life.
We all know someone who could use a helping hand with digital technology. Those of us already online can all do something to help. Despite Covid-19 restrictions, we can be digitally connected to each other even if we can’t be together in person. And, being connected can enhance everyday life, as per previously mentioned Lloyd's Digital Index:
• 87% of those online say it helps them to connect better with friends and family
• 44% say it helps them to manage physical and mental well-being
How can you get involved?
Small acts can make big differences, so you can promote Connect@xmas at work, at home, through your networks - friends, family, professional. Visit the Connect@xmas website (https://connect.digitalunite.com/) to:
• browse mini ‘How to be a Connector’ courses to get started helping others
• use our Xmas Resources to spread festive digital fun online this Christmas
• share seasonal tips and ideas to get others connected and win £100!
About Digital Unite (www.digitalunite.com)
Digital Unite has been promoting digital inclusion through digital skills for over 25 years. They support organisations all over the UK to build digital skills capacity by building Digital Champion networks to develop and cascade those skills. DU’s Digital Champion learning platform won Bronze in the Innovation category of 2019 LPI Learning Awards They also provide over 400 free how-to technology guides online to learners wherever they are. Connect@Xmas was developed with the support of National Lottery Community Fund. (Stats, Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index 2020)