Where to get help with technology

If you have never used a laptop or smart phone or any technology, it can be a daunting experience, or you may have some knowledge and experience but would like to learn more about using technology.  Alongside our Adult Social Care team, our local voluntary sector partners can help. We are working with several organisations who can support you to get online and help increase your confidence in using technology. We have listed the organisations that you can contact for information and advice, find out more about upcoming workshops and training, and in some cases to borrow a device to try at home.

Digital Inclusion Support Service

Age UK Wandsworth provide a borough-wide Digital Inclusion Support Service for adults aged 60+ living in Wandsworth. This service can help you to access information and support services online, such as online food shopping, managing finances, or booking health care appointments. You can also get help with using social media apps and joining online communities and activities.

CDARS

CDARS Digital Inclusion Programme is for people who are affected by mental health and the ill-effects of addiction to alcohol or drugs. The programme consists of 15 sessions, five of which are one-to-one bespoke sessions, and are followed by 10 group sessions should you need more support.

The course will cover an introduction to using a tablet, how it works, its essential functions, terminology, how to get online independently, using email and contacting organisations online, networking, and an introduction to social media apps. You will also learn how to write CVs and look for jobs online.

CDARS may be able to loan you a tablet if you do not have one.

Katherine Low Settlement (KLS)

The KLS Digital Inclusion Programme helps people aged 55+ who want to learn how to use a smartphone or tablet confidently and safely. Depending on your ability and digital skills you can attend one of two sessions:

Tech Beginners

Tech Beginners on Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm is for people who are new to smartphones and tablets or need extra help. Working in groups of up to eight you will learn how to navigate your device, touch screen gestures, connecting to the internet, adding contacts, sending and receiving emails, and basic skills on how to find information online.

Tech Together

Tech Together on Tuesdays from 11.30am to 1.30pm is for people who are developing their skills with smartphones and tablets. Working in groups of up to 25 you will learn how to manage storage, use of apps, different uses for your camera, navigating maps, and how to stay safe online.

Outreach

For people struggling to connect to WIFI or broadband at home KLS offer an outreach service where they can visit you at home and help you get online or help troubleshoot technical issues that you are having difficulties with. In some cases they may be able to help with data and device costs for those who are unable to afford them.

Share Community

Share Community’s Digital Inclusion Programme is for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, including physical and mental health conditions and their families or carers. You will be able to access this service if you are on a low income with no or limited access to technology or have no or limited digital skills.

The training programme covers how to safely manage finances online including making payments, using apps to get around and staying in touch with others, maintaining your well-being and accessing online health services. You will also learn how to find other training and employment opportunities that are of interest to you.

Wandsworth Carers Centre

Wandsworth Carers Centre’s Digital Inclusion Programme is mainly for unpaid carers aged 60+ and who are new to technology. Through their training programme you will gain skills to make better use of the devices you already have, connect to WIFI and be able to access grants to purchase digital devices.

To be part of this digital inclusion programme carers must be registered with the Wandsworth Carers’ Centre. If you are not already registered, you can register online. Once registered and following a conversation regarding your digital needs, you will be and allocated a one-to-one support worker.

Wandsworth Adult Social Care team

Our Adult Social Care team can help you explore different types of care technology, including apps and devices that best suit your needs and independence. A member of the team will talk to you about the things you enjoy doing, what your strengths are and what you would like to achieve. From these discussions, they will be able to discuss what care technology is suitable for you.

Contact Adult Social Care team

Further local services can be found on our information directory Careplace.

Power to Connect

The Power to Connect team offer free digital skills workshops and 121 support for people at schools, libraries, and community spaces across Wandsworth.

Digital workshops are focused on family online safety looking at privacy settings, managing passwords, information on identity theft/online scams, and basic digital skills. 121 digital support provides a friendly and relaxed setting for local residents to get questions answered or problems solved for their laptop, tablet, or smart phone.

Find out what events are coming up on the Power to Connect website or contact the team directly.