Through our partnership with Digital Notts, we have been working to improve digital inclusion and health literacy in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The Digital Notts project aimed to enhance digital inclusion and health literacy across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The project was implemented through three delivery models:
- Support to cancer-service users
- Support for peer support groups
- Drop-in sessions.
The project has highlighted the significant impact of digital inclusion on the wellbeing of service users. The key learnings from Phase 1 will be instrumental in shaping future initiatives. The project demonstrated that integrating digital skills into our services can significantly enhance clients’ confidence and access to digital health tools. This success has led to the decision to embed digital inclusion into all future service delivery models.
Key Learnings and Implementation
- Digital Literacy and Confidence: The project highlighted the importance of basic digital literacy and confidence. Many clients had access to technology but lacked the skills to use it effectively. Future projects will continue to focus on building these foundational skills.
- Staff Training and Knowledge Sharing: Training staff as Digital Health Champions proved effective. This approach will be maintained, ensuring that all staff are equipped to support digital inclusion. The knowledge and skills gained will be shared across the organisation to maximise impact.
- Resource Utilisation: Joining the Digital Inclusion Network and accessing resources like the National Databank has been beneficial. These resources will continue to be used to support clients, and we will encourage other providers to join these networks early in their digital support journey.
- Sustainability and Long-term Support: The project highlighted the need for sustainable, long-term support for digital inclusion. While short-term interventions were effective, ongoing support is crucial. Future plans include providing additional learning resources and partnering with other organisations to offer continuous support.
- Community Engagement: The project’s success with peer support groups and drop-in sessions will inform future community engagement strategies. Tailored support and flexible delivery models will be used to meet the diverse needs of different community groups.
Strategic Development
The insights gained from Phase 1 will guide the strategic development of future projects. Digital inclusion will be a core component of service delivery, ensuring that all clients can benefit from digital health tools. We will continue to explore innovative ways to integrate digital skills training into our services, aiming to bridge the digital divide and empower clients to take control of their health and wellbeing.
By embedding these learnings into future planning, we aim to create a more inclusive and digitally literate community, enhancing the overall impact of our services.
