CEO thoughts: Digital literacy key tool in war on loneliness
The appointment of Tracey Couch earlier this year as the first minister for loneliness serves as the sharpest indication yet that social isolation across the UK is reaching epidemic proportions. Indeed, according to a December 2017 report from the Jo Cox Commission of Loneliness, more than nine million people across Britain self-identify as feeling often or always lonely.
Protracted periods of loneliness can not only seriously impact on emotional wellbeing; it also has a number of significant physical connotations. For example, a 2015 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal found that chronic loneliness may reduce a person’s ability to fight viral infections. The issue is exacerbated particularly among older people, who may not have any prior digital experience and could be living in sheltered housing away from friends or family.
We see many people who are on lower incomes as part of our work who report feeling isolated and out of the loop thanks to poor online skills. We’ve witnessed first-hand the effect that digital skills training delivered as part of a wider social support programme can have on reducing isolation and helping individuals feel more connected to a wider community.
Whether that’s using the internet to connect with friends via social media, or joining an online dating site, the social benefits that come with digital literacy should not be understated.
Appointing a minister for loneliness is a step in the right direction in tackling the UK’s social isolation crisis, and I’d like to see local authorities across the UK put digital skills training front and centre in their own war on loneliness.
News Archives
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Windrush Day
(22.06.21)
22 June 2021 will mark the fourth national Windrush Day and 73 years since the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks. Several hundred people arrived from the Caribbean to start a new life in Britain. The idea of this … Read more
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We Are Digital strengthens marketing team with key new appointments
(22.04.21)
We Are Digital, the Coventry-based digital training provider, has further strengthened its growing marketing team with two new senior-level appointments. As part of the organisation’s ambitious growth strategy, David Smyth has been appointed to the role of chief marketing and … Read more
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As seen on Global Banking and Finance Review”.
(09.02.21)
By Matt Adam, chief executive of We Are Digital, outlines four key actions we can take this year to end the impact of financial exclusion. Financial exclusion – the inability to access finance, banking and income – typically affects … Read more
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The Shift to Remote Training: Challenges, Opportunities and the Future
(09.12.20)
Arjun Patel, Operational Delivery Manager When the Covid-19 lockdown came into force in March, as an organisation, We Are Digital didn’t want to sit back and do nothing. We primarily offered face-to-face training prior to this, but we quickly decided … Read more
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We Are Digital partnership with PA Housing
(08.12.20)
Community investment and digital skills training provider We Are Digital has secured a contract with PA Housing to provide in-home digital and financial inclusion training to a targeted group of residents. The training will prove key to relieving isolation and … Read more
- Live in the north-west? Over the age of 19? Then you could be entitled to free training to gain a new… https://t.co/b3quV5sBOi - 2 days ago.
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- Our #digitalmarketing courses with @GMCADigital for north-west residents come with guaranteed job interviews and th… https://t.co/rcScdFJDRH - 6 days ago.
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Windrush Day
22.06.21
22 June 2021 will mark the fourth national Windrush Day and 73 years since the SS Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks. Several hundred people arrived from the Caribbean to start a new life in Britain. The idea of this … Read more
-
We Are Digital strengthens marketing team with key new appointments
22.04.21
We Are Digital, the Coventry-based digital training provider, has further strengthened its growing marketing team with two new senior-level appointments. As part of the organisation’s ambitious growth strategy, David Smyth has been appointed to the role of chief marketing and … Read more
-
As seen on Global Banking and Finance Review”.
09.02.21
By Matt Adam, chief executive of We Are Digital, outlines four key actions we can take this year to end the impact of financial exclusion. Financial exclusion – the inability to access finance, banking and income – typically affects … Read more
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