Partnership boosts digital confidence for ethnic minority communities in Swansea
The impact of learning even basic digital skills can be life-changing. Whether it’s being able to shop online, or video-call a loved one, digital skills get you connected.
Getting online also gives people a huge and valuable sense of independence.
Renew Mind Centre in Swansea works with individuals from ethnic minorities. It’s main services include multi-sports, arts, and physical activities, plus vital counselling support for young people and families.
It’s been proven that opportunities like these, which empower communities to get involved in arts and sports – regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity – boost health and well-being, and reduce loneliness.
Cwmpas’s Digital Communities Wales (DCW) team has worked with Renew Mind Centre for a couple of years, passing on the skills and know-how to digitally support residents.
Myriam N’Gossema from Renew Mind Centre said:
“The training has definitely expanded my knowledge. I’ve learned new skills with every session, and I’ve also been introduced to useful tools like translation apps, which help break down language barriers.”
Renew Mind Centre hadn’t previously offered support in digital inclusion, but with multiple services now online, they spotted an opportunity.
Now they can help people connect with friends and family online, access essential services, and complete online forms.
Myriam explains:
“Most of the people we work with are from ethnic minority communities, and some are from refugee backgrounds, so there can be language barriers. We support young people, and also their parents, who may be struggling. We knew that we needed to learn more digital skills so we could share our knowledge. When we heard about the Digital Communities Wales programme, we were excited to get involved and access support.
“Some of the people we help need support to apply for benefits like Universal Credit. We’ve also helped people set up accounts to navigate and buy from online shopping platforms like Amazon, and to look for and compare car insurance options online.
“We also point families towards websites that offer valuable parenting tips. For instance, I found a website that gave me advice on how to help my child who struggled with sleep, and I’ve since referred other parents to that same resource. It’s been incredibly helpful.”
Recognising the power of hands-on learning, Myriam and the team from Renew Mind Centre joined in DCW’s online webinars and training sessions, building their digital knowledge and boosting their ability to support the community.
Cwmpas has been working alongside communities and organisations just like Renew Mind Centre to embed digital inclusion across Wales since 2005.
We know that the best way to reach communities experiencing digital exclusion is to work with the trusted faces and organisations that directly support them. Our support reflects this: we work with organisations to ensure their staff and volunteers have the necessary skills to support others.
By equipping community members with the tools they need to navigate the digital world, they are not only helping communities access services and opportunities, but also fostering greater confidence and independence.
As the world continues to become increasingly digital, Renew Mind Centre and DCW’s partnership to bridge the digital divide are more important than ever.
Digital inclusion is not one organisation’s responsibility, and it can’t be championed by one programme alone. It requires collaboration, cooperation, and commitment by various stakeholders, working together, to create a digitally inclusive nation in Wales that benefits everyone and leaves no one behind.
Mohammed Basit, DCW’s Digital Inclusion Advisor for Ethnic Minority Communities, said:
“I’ve known of Renew Mind Centre for many years, and I’m aware of the fantastic opportunities they have created for their communities, in particular around improving health through sporting and physical activity.
“It’s fantastic to hear how the smallest steps to learning the online basics can make a significant difference to people’s lives. We look forward to continuing to work with Renew Mind Centre, and providing support where and when needed.”
For more information about digital inclusion support for ethnic minority communities in Wales, support, or just to chat, please reach out to Mohammed Basit by emailing mohammed.basit@cwmpas.coop or calling 07824 035880.
