STAYING CONNECTED
MAKING THE DIGITAL WORLD A REALITY FOR EVERYONE IN NORTH HERTS AND STEVENAGE

 

We are proud to deliver this two-year project, funded through the Captain Sir Tom Moore’s fundraising for the NHS. We provide start up Wi-Fi to connect to the internet, recycled and refurbished old laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, donated by members of the public, and redistributes them to people who need it in Hertfordshire. 

 

This is for people in need, to help with accessing health appointments and information as well as staying connected with their friends, families, and communities. The equipment also helps people apply for work and continue with their education, volunteering, and interests.  

 

 

 

Free training is provided for those who received the equipment (or have their own equipment already) but have the same need to improve their health and wellbeing by learning to use their equipment safely.  

 

We also provide free six-month Sim cards for Ukrainian refugees who are being hosted in the North Herts and Stevenage area. 

 

‘We are so proud to be part of this project and enjoying seeing the impact it is directly having on people’s lives. Most people do not even realise that digital poverty is even an issue, we hope to raise awareness and work towards eradicating it across North Herts.’ 

Laura Bell, Operations Manager, NHCVS (North Herts and Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service) 

 

REducing digital poverty throughout hertfordshire

 

Digital poverty happens when people do not have the equipment, Wi-Fi and/or skills and /or knowledge to make access the internet. 

 

The Digital Poverty Alliance , define digital poverty as  

 

‘The inability to interact with the online world fully, when where and how an individual needs to.’ 

 

The effects of digital poverty include increasing inequalities, isolation, financial poverty, unemployment due to lack of access to opportunities, information, services, and shopping.  

 

 DO YOU HAVE SERVICEABLE IT EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS LAPTOPS, TABLETS, AND MOBILE PHONES YOU NO LONGER NEED?

  

Please donate to us. The equipment will be securely cleaned, reimaged, and given to someone who needs it. You are also helping the environment and the planet by recycling used equipment. 

 

Your support makes a life changing difference, enabling someone to do things such as seeing their loved ones on a video call, making medical appointments, renewing prescriptions, doing their shopping on-line, find social activities, access health information and much more. 

 

Contact Kai on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 01462 689408 to find out how to donate. 

 

‘I cannot tell you the pleasure and delight I witness when people receive advice, connectivity and/or equipment from the Staying Connected project. We have the power to change lives through our actions. I no longer take access to the Internet for granted.’ 

Kai Zakaria, Staying Connected Project Coordinator, NHCVS (North Herts and Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service) 

 

 

Do you know someone who could benefit from our service? 

 

‘Sally is wonderful. She answered my questions to my way of understanding. I am lucky to have been matched with such a patient   lady. She has taught me so much.’ 

Wilma, client

 

Referrals are usually made though Hertfordshire Social Prescribers (also known as Link workers) who work alongside GPs surgeries to support people in the community access information, advice, and services to support their health and wellbeing.  

 

Please contact your GP surgery directly about the Social Prescribing service in Hertfordshire. 

 

Covid has highlighted our need to access online services and information and our need to communicate with others from our homes. We offer support through a team of trained Volunteer Digital Champions who provide help and guidance on how to use devices effectively and safely either at your home or locally. 

 

If you would like to make a referral for someone to receive equipment and/or support from one of our Digital Champion volunteers, please  Kai at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (01462 689408) who will be able to assist you. A referral form must be completed by a health, social care and/or housing professional who knows you is needed, for us to see if we can help you. Contact Kai for a referral form. 

Kai can also advise about other Staying Connected projects throughout Hertfordshire. 

 

Do YOU have what it takes to be a Digital Champion? 

  

We are looking for people who are comfortable with technology, who want to make a difference in other people’s lives. Digital Champions are enthusiastic, patient and have spare time. 

 

They typically volunteer from one hour a week to an hour every 2 months depending on their availability and the requests for help that we receive.  

 

I have very much enjoyed my time as a digital champion. It has been great fun and I have enjoyed my time hugely. I had forgotten how much pleasure one gets from helping others achieve their aims. The satisfaction derived from seeing someone 'getting it' cannot easily be replicated elsewhere! My background is in education and teaching computer literacy, so this volunteer role has fitted my skills perfectly. So - it is not all one sided, I think we've both got a lot out of it, and long may it continue!  

Sally, Digital Champion 

 

All our volunteers must sign a Volunteer Agreement, undergo a DBS check, have references, and complete a Digital Champion online Course.  

 

Interested? Please sign up here Staying Connected | GoVolHerts - #TeamHerts Volunteering  

 

Together, we can eradicate digital poverty in North Herts and Stevenage and “Tomorrow will be a good [digital] day”.