A LOCAL charity which aims to ‘bridge the digital divide’ has launched a project to help people across Tameside learn some new digital skills.
PCrefurb refurbish IT equipment and redistribute it to those most in need, as well as provide digital skills training in the community.
Founded in 2018, the charity was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2022, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon voluntary groups in the UK.
Funded by The Access Foundation, PCrefurb’s ‘Access Digital Tameside’ project focuses on helping people tackle the cost-of-living crisis through teaching basic digital skills.
The charity highlights that digital exclusion can generate a “huge financial inequality” – for example, not having access to the best utilities offers, not being able to apply online for a job, or not being able to manage a bank account following the closure of rural branches.
The funding has enabled PCrefurb to employ two part-time Digital Skills Tutors in Jason Egerton and Ellissa Bryant.
Alongside Project Lead Sam Hardy, they have already begun teaching free basic digital skills at four venues in Tameside.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “We have a huge capacity to expand to further venues as people come forward, and as we recruit and train new volunteer Digital Champions to help run the groups.”
The launch has been welcomed by PCrefurb’s Chief Officer.
Helen Melhuish commented: “Delighted that our Access Digital Tameside project is under way, offering basic digital skills training and access to devices and connectivity. Great news for Tameside residents.”
Anyone who would like to receive digital skills training or volunteer to become a Digital Champion can get in touch with Sam Hardy at sam.hardy@pcrefurb.org.uk or call 07873 308 752.