Digital Skills and Accessibility

 

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What is digital exclusion? 

Digital exclusion is when people find it hard to use computers, smartphones, or the internet. This can happen if they do not have the skills, knowledge, or access they need to get online. People who are digitally excluded may miss out on important things like school, jobs, accessing healthcare and contacting friends. 

Please read about the range of local and national services that are available to help you access and confidently use the internet and technology.

Please remember that you can call the surgery or visit us in person if you still have difficulty contacting us online.

Local Support

Oxfordshire County Council 

The Oxfordshire County Council website contains information on how to access discounted broadband or mobile deals (subject to eligibility e.g. in receipt of means-tested benefits like Universal Credit) 

Visit the Oxfordshire County Council website

My Life My Choice

Provides independent support for people with learning disabilities in Oxfordshire. They offer a Computer Buddy Project, supporting adults with learning disabilities to access laptops, learn how to use technology and get connected online, with free digital skills workshops and 1:1 training sessions.

Visit the My Life My Choice website

Age UK Oxfordshire

One-to-one support similar to Connect for older people

Visit the Age UK Oxfordshire website

Asylum Welcome

Support for refugees, including sourcing laptops

Visit the Asylum Welcome website

Oxford Community Action

Supporting the community in East Oxford

Visit the Oxford Community Action website

Getting Oxfordshire Online

Help those people who can't afford mobile data or kit to access the internet, GOO can provide refurbished laptops, tablets or phones, free SIM cards and mobile WiFi hotspots.

Visit the Getting Oxfordshire Online website

County Libraries

Offer educational resources, digital help, free WiFi and computer usage, eBooks and eAudio, printing, scanning, photocopying, digital newspapers, magazines, music streaming and a wide variety of books to borrow for free. You can access support to get online at many of the county’s libraries, including Oxfordshire County Library. Book a free appointment with a volunteer to guide you with computers, tablets and navigating the internet.

Visit the Oxfordshire County Council website

Activate Learning

Various digital literacy options in their courses

Visit the Activate Learning website

Oxfordshire Adult Learning Network, Abingdon & Witney College

Various part-time and evening options 

Visit the Abingdon and Witney College website

National Support

Skills for Careers

Essential Skills

Essential Skills are courses that can help you get English, numeracy or digital skills that are needed for work and everyday life.

Visit the Skills for Careers website

Learn My Way

Learn My Way has free learning for you to gain digital skills to stay safe and connected.

Visit the Learn My Way website

National Digital Inclusion Network

If you do not have access to a mobile phone or mobile data, free mobile data packages and refurbished mobile devices are available via the national digital inclusion network.

Visit the National Digital Inclusion Network website

AbilityNet

A national scheme offering various services including 1:1 support and expertise in adaptations for older people and those with disabilities.

Visit the AbilityNet website