Get Online Week: West Essex Can

Finally for #GetOnlineWeek, we’re ending off with West Essex Can (WECAN)!

WECAN are dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing essential skills training, data, and devices to those in need.

By working across libraries and community centres, they are empowering vulnerable individuals to navigate the digital world confidently and overcoming barriers they’ve faced.

What is your organisation called?

WECAN-  Digital Inclusion Project - Digital Share.

What does your organisation do?

West Essex Community Action Network (WECAN) is a partnership consortium of leading voluntary sector organisations in West Essex, that exists to build stronger links and service delivery opportunities between the voluntary and community sector organisations, commissioners, statutory partners and business, for the benefit of local residents and communities living in Uttlesford, Harlow and Epping Forest.

Through our engagement network, WECAN brings a neighbourhood-level knowledge and awareness of local communities and services across West Essex, to create coordinated, solution-focussed commissioned delivery programmes. 

WECAN has a 5+ year experience and track record in delivering commissioned community services for both Essex County Council and the ICB; in the areas of:

• digital inclusion
• mental health
• bereavement
• loneliness and social isolation
• active exercise
• hospital discharge

How does your work benefit the community?

In regards to Digital Inclusion we support residents who are digitally excluded by providing skills training , data and devices where required.   We support with employment opportunities, access to medical and support services to improve mental and physical wellbeing. We support vulnerable individuals to learn how to use their devices access support and navigate their way through the digital world where they have faced many barriers  to access this in the past due to being digitally excluded.  We work across Libraries and community centres 

What do the different members of your team do, and how does their work link together?

WECAN supports many projects across West Essex, we all have different skills and links with many local services so the referral pathway is very strong through Public Health and   other community support settings

How does your work combat digital exclusion?

We do this in many ways for example residents who have found many challenges in finding employments we  have identified these barriers below and have delivered these solutions:

Bridging the Digital Gap in Harlow’s Deprived Areas:  Focus on Digital Skills and Employment
Our ongoing digital inclusion project in Harlow continues to uncover critical issues related to the lack  of digital skills among unemployed residents, particularly in deprived areas. This update emphasizes how insufficient digital literacy is hindering job opportunities for residents referred by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local job clubs.
Key Challenges Identified

• Absence of Basic Digital Skills:
  •  Many residents do not have email addresses or access to SMART devices, limiting their ability to participate in online job searches and applications.
  •  There is a widespread lack of knowledge about using search engines effectively to find job opportunities.
• Difficulties with Online Job Applications:
  •  Residents struggle with creating and uploading digital CVs, which is a fundamental requirement for most online job applications.
  •  The process of managing and navigating online job portals, including those for Universal Credit, is particularly challenging due to verification code systems and email navigation issues.
• Understanding Recruitment Agencies and Processes:
  •  There is a significant gap in understanding how recruitment agencies operate and how to engage with them effectively online.
  •  Many residents need assistance in completing online tests that are often a part of the job application process, which acts as a barrier to advancing in interviews.
• Barriers to Maintaining Employment Records:
  •  The Universal Credit system requires residents to evidence their job search activities online, but the lack of digital skills makes this process daunting and often unsuccessful.
  
  Initiatives
• In response to these challenges, we are establishing a digital hub at Tye Green Library in September, targeting the deprived area of Bush Fair. The digital hub will focus on:
  • Providing Access to Technology: Ensuring residents have access to SMART devices and the internet to engage in job search activities.
  • Offering Digital Literacy Training: Conducting digital hubs  to teach residents how to set up and use email accounts, utilize search engines for job searches, and upload documents.
  • Creating Digital CVs: Assisting residents in converting hard copy CVs into digital formats suitable for online applications.
  • Navigating Online Systems: Guiding residents through the Universal Credit system and other job portals, including understanding and managing verification codes.
  • Preparing for Digital Recruitment Processes: Educating residents on how recruitment agencies work and providing support for completing online tests required for job applications.
• The digital hub at Tye Green Library is a pivotal initiative aimed at addressing the critical lack of digital skills among Harlow’s unemployed residents. By equipping residents with the necessary digital literacy, we aim to eliminate the barriers that hinder their job opportunities and pave the way for successful employment outcomes.

Do you have any examples of how your digital support has helped a local resident?

• Resident: EW - Harlow
• Background: EW, a resident of Harlow, found herself in a challenging situation when she decided to re-enter the job market after a period of unemployment. Despite possessing the skills and experience necessary for various roles, she faced a significant obstacle: digital exclusion. With limited knowledge of using a laptop or smartphone, she struggled to write a CV, search for jobs online, and navigate the digital landscape essential for employment in the modern era.
• Intervention: Fortunately, EW found support through the WECAN Digital Share Project. Through the project, EW was paired with Adam, who provided personalized assistance tailored to her specific needs.

• Adam began by patiently teaching EW the basics of using a laptop and her smartphone. He guided her through the process of creating a professional CV, demonstrating how to format it effectively and highlight her skills and experience. They also introduced her to online job search platforms, teaching her how to use keywords to find relevant job listings and apply for positions online.

• Over the course of several weeks, EW’s confidence and proficiency in using digital tools grew significantly. With the ongoing support of Adam, she gained the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital landscape independently.

• Outcome: The impact of the Digital Share Project on EW’s life was profound. Empowered by her newfound digital skills, she successfully secured employment in her desired field. Beyond the tangible outcome of gaining a job, EW experienced a transformation in her outlook on life. She felt a renewed sense of agency and optimism about her future, knowing that she now had the ability to adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital world.

• In expressing her gratitude, EW emphasized the invaluable support she received from the Digital Share Project and Adam and Ali. Their patience, guidance, and encouragement had not only helped her overcome a significant barrier but had also enabled her to move forward in a positive direction during a challenging time in her life.

• Conclusion: EW’s journey serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of digital inclusion initiatives like the Digital Share Project. By providing individuals with the tools and support needed to navigate the digital landscape, such initiatives empower them to access opportunities, enhance their employability, and ultimately improve their quality of life. Through collaborative efforts and personalized assistance, individuals like EW can overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and embark on a path of positive change.

What demographic of people do you work with?

Any person over 18 years old currently in Harlow & Uttlesford , however we support families with children who need devices or data. We also focus on vulnerable residents who are challenged with Health & Inequality disadvantages.  Since April we are focusing on employment support and residents in Sheltered Housing    

What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to expand?

We plan if funding allows to expand to more community setting , more rural settings and GP surgeries

Why are you passionate about your role?

Digital Exclusion is a huge barrier for individuals especially those who are vulnerable, they are left behind and excluded from the modern world causing many disadvantages. We are passionate about supporting these residents to improve their mental health and physical well being and we are proud to be a part of this . 

Can you give any examples of your challenges or successes?

Funding continues to be hugely challenging and will end in March 25 currently. One of   our successes this year is we now have have 7 weekly Digital hubs a week. From April 1st to date we have offered 709 digital sessions

To find out more about WECAN, visit their website at westessexcan.org or contact them at admin@westessexcan.org