Free digital training to boost Gosport residents

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have outlined information about a new project that is currently improving digital skills of local residents and communities this summer; this scheme offering free training on a wide range of day-to-day online tasks such as booking medical appointments, online banking, searching for job vacancies, and helping with homework.

This training is currently been presented in groups and on an one-to-one basis with the council commissioning the local charity Citizens Advice Gosport to run these sessions; which are aimed upon needs of elderly / vulnerable people. The sessions further aim to help residents across sheltered housing schemes, hostels or those dealing with homelessness.

Citizens Advice have organised the sessions across six sheltered housing schemes and two hostels; the council further funding training by the Rowner Community Trust. This will help narrow digital skill gaps that has been identified through figures and local authorities with residents recently attending the Nimrod Centre to explore their brand new digital hubs.

This project will be running until late March 2024 and has received over £63,500 in ‘funding’ from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Once all concluded next year five tablets and thirteen laptops are to be donated with volunteers recruited across the Borough to support residents; who will share this equipment in their hostel and housing.

There is no indication on whether this project will be expanded to include the ‘wider’ Gosport public, with all information available to read here. This link further includes a full quote from the Gosport Borough Council Leader, Peter Chegwyn.

PICTURED BY PIXABAY: Free digital training is being provided for Gosport residents, as commissioned by the council.