loneliness this Christmas

Let’s get digital

Buying presents online and video calling to keep in touch with loved ones this Christmas has never been more important, due to COVID restrictions.

Almost 1 in 5 of us in the UK need a bit of extra help to do that – because we’ve not been able to learn how to send an email Become a volunteer or search the web. Southwark Council is working hard to change that for our Digital Champion residents – including through a variety of digital skills courses for beginners while giving residents access to You don’t need to be an IT whizz, you just need a fast, reliable Wi-Fi in community halls and libraries. bit of spare time and enthusiasm to support others. Typical tasks for a Digital Champion include: But sometimes, what we really need is a friendly face • Teaching someone to use Google in the community to help us along, what can feel like, • Helping someone set up an email account quite a daunting journey. • Explaining how easy shopping and banking online can be So we’ve asked a company called We Are Digital to • Setting someone up on Skype create a network of volunteer Digital Champions – to • Helping someone research their family history help fellow residents build the confidence and skills to or other hobby online take advantage of the world online. In return you’ll receive free online training to The network is funded by internet company Hyperoptic develop your own digital skills and knowledge, – who are helping to improve broadband speeds across certificates and badges to add to your CV and Southwark by installing full-fibre broadband networks, ideas and support from a huge network of Digital particularly in areas with the lowest internet speeds. Champions. You’ll also get a great feeling of personal satisfaction knowing you’ve made a real Find more on our Better Broadband pages: difference to others. To find out more, call We Are www.southwark.gov.uk/housing/housing-getting- Digital on 03333 444 019 or visit

involved/better-broadband-for-southwark www.digitalchampionsnetwork.com.

Or call 03333 444 019 (option 1) to sign up for some 1-2-1 digital skills support from We Are Digital.