PLATFORM HOUSING VOLUNTEERS CLEARING AWAY THE ‘DIGITAL MUD’

Hello, I’m Tracey Silk, I’m one of Platform Housings’ Community Engagement Officers.

You’ll find me most Fridays with my colleague Hayley and our lovely, friendly volunteers at the Imperial Rooms in Matlock. Together we run Matlock Help Centre and Digital Support.

It’s an informal, friendly drop-in session between 10am-12pm and everyone is welcome. The kettle is always on.

Digital is second nature to young people today, but for some of us older people, it’s as clear as mud! If you feel left behind, our patient, friendly volunteers will help you catch up a bit. There’s no pressure, and they understand you may find it daunting walking into your first session.

Some people drop in because they need to learn how to do something specific, eg make an online application, send an email, buy something online, texting, sign up to the NHS app or Platform’s customer portal, change a phone setting, take and share photos, use social media………. The list goes on.

A few people who attend regularly are using our laptops to work through ‘Learn My Way’ (an introduction to all things digital). They sit in a group with a volunteer nearby, often chatting and sharing tips.

If you don’t need help, you are welcome to use our laptops for job search, update your CV and other things.

Come and join us one Friday morning. It could make all the difference.

Here’s what our learners have said about the sessions:

“I realise I am getting left behind and want to do something about it.”

“I’m a natural learner with a dislike for digital, but you have given me the confidence to want to learn more in the modern digital world”

“I’m so glad to have found these sessions and hope it continues because I really enjoy them and have got so much out of it”

“You are all so kind and welcoming, it’s really nice to come here and I have learned so much.”

It’s not all about digital. If you are a Platform Housing customer and you need advice about a tenancy issue or repairs, please drop in.

The local PCSOs often join us for a cuppa which is great. If you need to speak to them in private, they can take you into a small room off the main hall.

Community Engagement Officer, Tracey.silk@platformhg.com

Digital Empowerment Officer, Hayley.beresford@platformhg.com