Get Online Week: The Witham Hub
For #GetOnlineWeek we are excited to kick off by highlighting the incredible work being done by The Witham Hub!
The Witham Hub was founded by Tina Townsend in 2017 and has evolved from a small unit into a vital community charity, providing support, activities, and food assistance to vulnerable residents. Now it has grown, moving to a larger space in 2022 and achieving over 100,000 interventions!
This organisation is making a significant impact by creating a safe and welcoming environment where volunteers teach essential digital skills. Their efforts are helping the community feel less isolated and more confident in navigating the digital world.
We spoke with the founder and hub lead, Tina, to find out more about how they are helping to combat digital exclusion in Witham.
What is your organisation called?
The Witham Hub.
What does your organisation do?
Community fridge, drop-in groups, support services to complete form filling and signposting. ensure inclusion and remove isolation.
How does your work benefit the community?
Many people feel safe and receive help with their confidence, especially if they feel vulnerable.
What do the different members of your team do, and how does their work link together?
- Managing the shop serving/shelf filling/ordering.
- Collecting and delivering items.
- Assisting people with completing forms.
- Engaging with and advising vulnerable individuals.
- Everyone can take turns to offer support and assistance.
The Witham Hub in person.
How does your work combat digital exclusion?
We have teenage volunteers assisting the public with setting up online banking and ordering, teaching them:
- how to set up and use an email account
- to send messages and use social media.
- How to use alarms for medication, appointments, add credits etc.
- How to document the steps for each action so individuals can refer to them if they forget.
Other staff support this on days that the volunteers may not be available.
Do you have any examples of how your digital support has helped a local resident?
One local resident has purchased the correct phone now and the staff have helped her set it up and taught her how to email, use alarms, order repeat prescriptions, and access the NHS app. Most importantly she wanted to speak with her sister who lives abroad. She now has WhatsApp and can communicate free of charge.
What demographic of people do you work with?
Elderly, vulnerable and the general public who view our advertisements for digital inclusion.
What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to expand?
Continue to create awareness of our services and encourage returned visits to build relationships creating confidence to increase access to all services.
Why are you passionate about your role?
We make a difference.
Can you give any examples of your challenges or successes?
Finance is always a challenge as overheads are always high. Our success is also based on the numbers of volunteers that are committed.
To find out more about The Witham Hub, visit their website at www.withamhub.co.uk/, or contact them at info@withamhub.co.uk