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Tackling digital exclusion in Flintshire

Published: 23/08/2021

Flintshire County Council and its partners are excited to launch a new Digital Flintshire Hub – an online resource to help residents to discover digital technology, and build confidence in digital skills.

Although it might sound a bit counter-intuitive to launch an online Hub aimed at people who are digitally excluded, the Hub will help you grow your digital knowledge and will show how you can support friends, family or neighbours, who are a little less digitally savvy, to get online.

Whether you are a complete novice and don’t know where to start or you just need a bit of advice, we are here to support and signpost you to the help you need.  Some more examples of what’s included are:

·         Getting online and staying safe once you’re there - including how assistive technology can help people get online;

·         Keeping in touch with family and friends;

·         Learning about things that interest you;

·         Managing your money;

·         Registering for My Account or the Council’s email newsletters

Partnership working has been essential to the success of the Digital Flintshire Hub.  We have worked with local organisations such as Flintshire Local Voluntary Council, Citizens Advice Flintshire, Theatr Clwyd, Aura Libraries, Dewis Cymru and Digital Communities Wales.  Together, we have brought a raft of information into one place which signposts you directly to where you want to go. 

Flintshire is extremely lucky to have some great community organisations who recognise the importance of breaking down digital barriers for our residents.   

Flintshire’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Management and Assets, Councillor Billy Mullin, said:

“We would like everyone to experience the power of digital - to improve the potential and growth of the County and to transform the way we deliver services and, in turn, prevent social isolation.  An important section of the Hub is where you can get help on health and well-being online. 

“There is information about where you can loan free devices like laptops and tablets and how you can get internet connections to get you started.  COVID-19 has highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide.  It has shown how important it is for our residents and businesses to have the confidence and the tools they need to engage with online resources, based on their needs.”

Programme Manager, Dewi Smith of Digital Communities Wales, said:

“The Hub is a great example of support organisations working together to address the needs of the community.  This site will be highly beneficial for Flintshire’s residents who are in need of support to become digitally included and we hope that people will explore and interact with the wealth of resources provided.”    

We will continue to build on the Digital Flintshire Hub – it’s a living, growing Hub which will be kept up-to-date and relevant.

To view the Hub: Digital Flintshire.

Support is available for those not online at our Flintshire Connects Centres and your local library.