‘Pont Digidol’ bridges the digital gap for North Wales Housing residents

At a recent digital inclusion session at Llys y Coed, Llanfairfechan in Conwy, north Wales, two 92-year-old friends and North Wales Housing residents, Glenys and Brenda, chatted and laughed as they shared a YouTube episode of 1960s Blue Peter with the group.

Glenys has a smart phone and is quite expert at taking photos, and Brenda owns a basic mobile phone, but neither of them had ever used an iPad or been on the internet before.

During the session, Glenys learned how to search online for music from her favourite singer, Bruce Springsteen.

Brenda browsed her favourite holiday destinations online.

The ‘Pont Digidol’ (Digital Bridge) project is a new pilot, helping North Wales Housing residents to build digital knowledge and confidence, and bridging the digital gap.

The oldest participant was 98-year-old David:

“I do have a Kindle and a laptop, but I came across things during the session that I hadn’t heard of previously. “

Digital inclusion affects access to services like education, employment, and health, where information on self-help and apps for booking appointments are nearly all online.

North Wales Housing is one of two housing associations in Wales which have been awarded funding by the Welsh Government to undertake a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) pilot scheme.

The MDLS is a definition which sets out the minimum skills and products that are needed to make sure people aren’t left behind in our digital society. It was developed by Liverpool and Loughborough Universities, Cwmpas and the Good Things Foundation.

MDLS essentials include reliable broadband access, appropriate digital devices, basic digital skills, and the ability to communicate, connect, and engage safely and with confidence.

Claire Shiland, Director of Operations at North Wales Housing, said:

“This is a great opportunity for us to assess and learn about the needs of our residents and our social housing community in North Wales.

“They are telling us they are keen to build confidence and make use of those digital opportunities, not just as residents but in a personal capacity for online finances, keeping in touch with family and friends, making appointments, and crucially being able to do so in a way that keeps them safe online.

“This project is not just about providing devices or internet access. It is about empowering individuals to engage with digital technology safely, confidently, and in a way that enhances their quality of life.”

Cwmpas Digital Communities Wales (DCW) adviser, Nick, led the sessions.

“It’s important for people to be confident online, because most of the services we access or need are now online – things like Pension Credit and bus pass applications even. It’s all about empowerment and choice, and having the confidence to navigate the internet.”

Digital inclusion is a human issue, an essential part of building an equal, thriving society.

Claire Shiland continued:

“It is crucial to bridge the digital gap in Wales. Statistics show that some 7% of adults in Wales are ‘digitally excluded’.

“This scheme will help us track the progress of North Wales Housing residents who are taking part. We’ll be able to identify where the need is greatest.”

The Project Digidol funding will support a diverse group of twenty five social housing households, making it easier for residents to get online, and helping them access essential digital resources, skills, and advice.