Wigan joins Digitober initiative to help residents with technology

This month Wigan Council will be supporting people to build their confidence with technology as part of Digitober, a Greater Manchester-wide initiative.

Coun Nazia Rehman, the council’s cabinet member for resources, finance and transformation, said: “We’re proud to be joining with the other local authorities in Greater Manchester to present Digitober.

“As we transform the way we work as a council, it is increasingly important our residents have at least a basic level of digital skills and confidence to enable them to access the services and support available.

“Wigan borough will have around 338,000 residents by 2030 and it is estimated that approximately 20 per cent of those will be aged 65 or over.

“Although digital exclusion is not only an issue faced by older people, it impacts on lots of areas in our society.

“We are invested in ensuring our residents have the digital tools, confidence and skills necessary to embrace digital opportunities and to protect themselves and others from potential harm.”

The festival will involve free family-friendly Tech Time On Tour events, where visitors will be able to enjoy retro gaming, a VR experience zone and coding club.

These will run from 10am to noon on Tuesday, October 22 at Golborne Library, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm on Friday, October 25 at Shevington Library, and from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, October 26 at Leigh Library.

At the Leigh Library event, named Tech Time To Get Digital, beginners will also be able to put their questions to the council-trained TechMate volunteers.

TechMates is a digital mentor service, where people with a good basic understanding of technology can volunteer to help others learn how to use mobile phones, tablets, computers or laptops.

The Leigh session will also feature a digital arts workshop for children and families to explore their inner creativity with crafty activities and the council’s digital services team will explain how to access important council services digitally.

They will be joined by staff from other organisations, including Wigan Adult Learning for anyone wishing to develop their digital skills further, and charities including Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre and Henshaws.

Coun Rehman added: “These events are open to everyone and especially those who might not have had a go at anything digital before and may be feeling a little scared or intimidated by the digital world.

“Our teams and volunteers are so friendly and reassuring, they will quickly put you at your ease, and you may end the day with a new skill or improved confidence, so I would encourage anyone to call into the event that is most convenient for you and give it a go.”

The borough’s Digital Communities Partnership will be running bespoke sessions for community groups and organisations throughout October, such as Alexa skills, online security training and cyber resilience. To request a session on a specific theme later in the year, email [email protected].

To find out more about free digital opportunities offered by Wigan Council, go to www.wigan.gov.uk/digitalwigan.