Community DigiHubs celebrates one year anniversary

Essex County Council has celebrated the first anniversary of the Community DigiHubs initiative in Essex.

Community Digihubs are support-based centres that help people learn essential digital skills, get online and access a digital device in Essex.

Over the past year the initiative has:

• opened four hubs - three in Brentwood and one in Rochford
• delivered 250 sessions with residents
• distributed more than 50 free SIMs and devices, such as laptops, tablets and phones

Over the last year, the DigiHubs programme has helped residents to:

- secure employment
- access and engage in education
- gain access to healthcare
- stay in touch with loved ones
- become more connected with others
- learn how to access the Digital Help Finder

The hubs have helped boost digital skills and have created opportunities for education, jobs and business starts ups. Due to their success a further 14 will open across Essex later this year.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity said: "The aim is to empower the community with essential digital skills for both work and everyday life.

“Having strong digital skills and access to the necessary equipment is crucial.

“Witnessing the incredible success stories shared over the past year has been truly inspiring and it is great to see the difference that is being made but the Community DigiHubs.

“Due to their success, we are excited to announce that even more will be opening later this year across Essex."

Photo: Councillor Louise McKinlay visited St Peter's Church Digi-Hub in Brentwood on 26 March to celebrate one year of Community DigiHubs. L-R: Joshua Mews, Lisa Whymark, Paul Emanuel, Councillor Louise McKinlay, Steph Nichols, Susannah Porsz, Lucy Gill