Digital Inclusion Working Group (DIG) 27 February 2014.
Present:
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Nigel Lewis: Ability Net (Chair).
John Perkins: BT
Russell Taylor: DWP
David Wilcox: Social Reporter/ Nominet Trust
Emma Spragg: Age UK
Lucy Hastings: Age UK
Chris Brooks: Age UK
Karen Keany: Ofcom
David Williams: PartnersIT
Prof. Bryan Manning: Westminster University.
Laura Yates: FACT
Howard Bashford: Finerday.
John Bryant: Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust.
Nigel Houghton: Simplicity Computers
Elena Hensinger: At Home With IT
Leela Damodaran: Loughborough University
Steve Purdham:3 Rings Care LTD.
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Apologies:
Judith Graham: Digital Unite
Sharon Tynan: Age UK London
Katie Waller: Which
Ian Lyons: Shaw Trust.
William Barker: DCLG
1) Introduction and Welcome
Nigel welcomed everyone and after brief introductions noted apologies for absence.
2) Action Points from the previous meeting/ Update from the Age Action Alliance. Russell Taylor.
All actions from the previous meeting had been cleared. Russell additionally thanked members for responses provided to the NEA survey on digital inclusion and fuel poverty measures.
Alliance update.
Ø Alliance membership now approaching 560 organisations.
Ø Increasing interest in the work of the Alliance, particularly in the media and across Government.
Ø Twitter followers now over 2.5k.
Ø Positive reaction to the recent Age UK London/PAiL seminar which brought together policy makers and a mix of users and non user of IT to discuss challenges faced in persuading older people to go “on line”.
Ø The AVONet Report a good example of how through the support of the Alliance managed to secure reference in the Olympic Legacy “Moving More, Living More”.
Ø Members encouraged to use all alliance comms channels to share and highlight good practice or to seek views/support of fellow members.
To view Russell’s presentation please click here
Draft Government Inclusion Strategy
Prior to the meeting a copy of the Government Inclusion Strategy had been forwarded to Russell – albeit in early draft. Members were not expected to comment, however sight of the document is useful as it provides clues on direction of travel.
William Barker (DCLG) subsequently made contact and asked the following: “could you please mention to the Group that DCLG is working with GDS on the DI Strategy and will be looking to discuss AAA participation in a Connected 3rd Age seminar in May.”
Members reported that they were very keen to be involved in the seminar and tasked Russell with communicating as such with William and Nicola.
AP: Russell to make contact with William and Nicola Gill (GDS) to highlight interest of DIG members in the Connected 3rd Age seminar.
AP: Russell to copy out for information only the draft Digital Inclusion Strategy.
3) Big Lottery Fund – Digital Skills.
Emma provided an update on the bid to the Big Lottery. She confirmed that an expression of interest had been submitted with Age UK as the lead organisation. Emma thanked DIG and other Alliance members for the support shown. Age UK expect to hear back soon with the Big Lottery having previously indicated that applicants will know whether they have got through the initial stage by early March.
If the expression of interest is successful Emma will be in contact with Alliance partners as the bid will need to be firmed up. At that point the Big Lottery will publish on their website details of applications inviting other partners to potentially signal their interest in joining up. Emma confirmed that Age UK has a strong track record of helping people to go on line and through its 169 local partners has over the past few year helped 20k older people with digital skills training.
Members asked if Age UK provided toolkits as a free resource that could be made available. Emma confirmed that individual local Age UK has developed a range of approaches and she will find out what is available.
AP: Members to contact Emma if they are interested in learning more about toolkits and other good practice/support products that Age UK can provide by way of a download.
4) David Wilcox – Practical Ideas Solutions.
David introduced the meeting to an idea that he had been developing over recent weeks.
Essentially it involves a group of DIG members working together to create a tech-enabling personal assessment kit for people, to be used on their own or in groups.
The kit would identify needs and interests, linked to customisable decks of cards offering ideas for activities and apps. Once identified apps can be demonstrated on tablets and smartphones with further links to more resources. The kit also provides a format for social learning, and could help support a network of champions and activities like techie tea parties!
Some work he had completed during 2013 with the Nominet Trust into technology in later life concluded: one size doesn't fit all. Instead:-
Ø follow people’s enthusiasms;
Ø make the challenge of learning a social opportunity
Ø value the role of older people as technology challenges
During the research he could see the growth of adoption of mobile device as an entry point, particularly for people without keyboard skills.
Working with colleague Drew Mackie they translated the research findings into a simple workshop game that was played at the PAIL and Age UK London “Wealth of the Web” launch. Working in groups they:-
Ø developed some characters, told their current life story, and the challenges they faced
Ø reviewed sites and apps that might help, and whether a computer, tablet, smartphone or other device would be best
Ø then told how their future, tech-enabled life story could be better
What’s now needed is further development of the core concept, with an agreed framework for personal assessment, wider range of cardbased resources and then - in the full version - the means to create customised set of cards that can be used “for real” or in simulations. The kit could be a signposting device for a wealth of existing resources
What next? We need a DIG group to plan a workshop and sketch possible further development.
Members welcomed David’s approach. Observations included
Ø A person’s desires are more important than the technology
Ø Encouraging the use of a “tablet” as the way forward.
Ø Lapse time – allow the person to learn and consolidate at their pace, building confidence as they try new things
Ø The support structure is essential and never underestimate the role grandchildren can play in encouraging learning.
Ø We cannot simply accept that older people will be left behind in the digital revolution. As DIG members we need to ensure that there is a continued focus and that we champion the needs of older people.
On the subject of “tablets” Lucy mentioned that Age UK has just introduced a new product to the market.
AP: Lucy to provide members with details of Age UK’s new Tablet/App.
To progress David’s ideas it was agreed to host a dry run of the product set.
Age UK London had previously indicated a willingness to be involved in some way. Leela, Nigel Houghton and Howard also committed to supporting David. Other members of the Alliance are welcome to join. The dry run to take place around 8 – 10 April. Venue and final date tbc. David will work with interested parties to agree a date.
To download David’s full presentations click here
5) David Williams - The work of PartnersIT
The next item was scheduled to be an update on the work of PartnersIT. Unfortunately David contracted a virus which meant he had lost his voice. This item will therefore be carried over to our next meeting. We will also hear from Laura about the work of her organisation FACT.
6) AOB – Members update.
Judith from Digital Unite sent in the following:-
Digital Unite, is urging volunteers and organisations to get involved with this year’s Spring Online campaign to help more people to get online and improve their digital skills. Spring Online in association with Carphone Warehouse is Digital Unite’s award-winning initiative that makes it possible for thousands of people, often older people, to try out using computers, tablets and the internet, many for the first time.
Currently around 7 million people have never used the internet and 6 million of those are aged over 55 years*. Many more can’t do basic online tasks like sending emails or searching the web. As such they are missing out on the huge benefits being online brings such as saving money, having wider and easier access to information and keeping in touch with friends and family.
During one week (31 March – 4 April 2014) thousands of free Spring Online taster events and sessions are held by volunteers and organisations across the UK to help and inspire local people achieve a lasting use of the internet.
Digital Unite will support you all the way with downloadable posters, leaflets and certificates, activity ideas to do with your learners and friendly advice and guidance.
So whether you have access to one computer or tablet or a whole room full of them, Spring Online is the perfect opportunity to help older people to get online.
Visit www.digitalunite.com/spring-online for more information on how to get involved.
Update from Howard Bashford:
“I thought you may be interested to know that the Finerday has released integrated NHS Choices buttons - in partnership with NHS England and working with several larger care home and housing organisations.
You can see them in the ME section at www.finerday.com
Username: jeanjones
Password: jeanjones
This is part of an NHS Flagship for widening digital participation and equality of access..”
7) Date of next meeting
To be aligned with next key stage of the bid and to pick up the outcomes from the dry run workshop. Mid April suggested for the next virtual meeting. Nigel will send out a doodle poll to secure the best date for the majority.
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