The City of Wolverhampton Council is supporting Get Online Week, a national campaign led by Good Things Foundation, aimed at highlighting the challenges of digital exclusion and promoting digital literacy. This year's campaign focuses on how lacking online access can hinder access to essential services, job searching, financial management, health monitoring, and social connections.
The council's Digital Wolves trusted partner network is providing a range of free activities tailored to local community needs. Access to Business will host sessions on the digital divide on Wednesday 21 October at Hope Community Centre, online employment support on Thursday 22 October at 81 Tempest Street, and business planning for start-ups on Friday 23 October, also at 81 Tempest Street (booking by calling 01902 572397).
Global Diabetes Initiatives is organising a 'Get Connected for Better Health' session on Thursday 22 October, from 11am to 3pm at The Hub, Wolverhampton Railway Station. This session aims to build confidence in using digital tools for managing diabetes, hypertension, and emotional wellbeing, including navigating the NHS App and practising video calls.
The SNJ Centre on Dudley Road will host several digital classes throughout the week: a men's group session on 'News, information, games ideas online' on Tuesday 20 October (1pm-3pm); 'NHS app, online safety, online shopping' on Wednesday 21 October (10am-12pm); a 'sing & swing' session on making playlists on Thursday 22 October (12:30pm-2:30pm); and a 'Sewing Bees' digital session on Friday 23 October (11am-1pm).
Further sessions include an 'Shopping online safety and NHS app' session at the Gujarati Centre on Mander Street on Monday 19 October (11am-1pm), and an NHS app, online safety and shopping session at the Shri Krishna Temple on Penn Road on Tuesday 20 October (7pm-9pm).
Residents are encouraged to explore local digital events happening throughout the week. Councillor Jeszemma Howl, the council’s Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital, emphasised the growing importance of digital skills for everyday life, from employment to accessing services and staying connected. She highlighted Get Online Week as a valuable opportunity for residents to gain support and build confidence at their own pace.
The council's network comprises 91 organisations supporting individuals facing digital exclusion, including disabled people, refugees, ethnic minority communities, low-income residents, older people, and those receiving social care. Free public computers and Wi-Fi are also available at all 16 Wolverhampton libraries.
