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Lord Barry champions digital surgeries in Flintshire

Published: 09/07/2024

Lord Barry is championing a Flintshire County Council initiative after receiving support from our Digital Squad.

The Council is committed to digital inclusion and supporting residents to develop their skills to ensure no one is excluded from a digital world.

As part of the plans, employees have been trained up and formed a Digital Squad who now travel around the county hosting Digital Surgeries, giving people the confidence to use technology, free of charge.

The Digital Squad can support residents with a range of issues, including accessing the internet and emails, using online services and keeping in touch with family and friends.

Lord Barry, a parliamentarian who served the Flintshire community for over 50 years, and his wife Lady Janet were two of the latest visitors to the Digital Surgery.

Digital Squad member Ryan McCale supported the couple to connect to the internet to access information and use a mobile phone to add contacts and send messages to loved ones.  

Lord Barry said: “I needed to learn the basics of getting online and being able to get that help on my doorstep is wonderful. The Digital Squad are kind, supportive and patient and I am grateful for their passion to help people with limited digital skills like me.

“They offer free digital support in local communities and I urge anyone who needs a helping hand to see what they can offer. It really is a fantastic service. I look forward to working with them again in the future to develop my digital skills.”

Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Councillor Linda Thomas, added: “I am delighted that our Digital Surgeries are being championed by Lord Barry. It is so important that residents receive the support they need to access services in today’s digital world, and our Digital Squad are here to help.

“I echo Lord Barry’s comments and encourage everyone who needs support to get involved.”

Residents seeking digital support can visit the Council’s Digital Hub for more information and follow Flintshire County Council on Facebook to stay connected.