Our Reconnect service supported Amari to settle into his new home, increase his financial security and learn new digital skills along the way.
Amari lived in shared social housing without access to a computer, internet, or digital skills. Living in digital poverty, he was unable to access the key resources he needed to identify new opportunities in work, housing, and leisure.
Unemployed and without any way of interacting with the job market, Amari found it difficult to achieve his goals of upskilling and developing financial security. His lack of access to the digital world had also negatively impacted his health and self-esteem.
Finding support
Feeling digitally and socially isolated and in need of support, a friend introduced him to our Reconnect digital groups. Our groups are run by our Digital & Wellbeing Coordinators and VIPs (volunteers, interns, and placement students), and provide a safe space for those looking to learn new skills and make friends along the way.
Amari was provided a Chromebook alongside connectivity thanks to our partnership with Good Things Foundation and their Device Bank and Data Bank. His Chromebook and connectivity provided access to a whole world of new opportunities, eventually being the tool that would help him upskill. Working with Archana and Filip, our Digital & Wellbeing Coordinators, they developed a plan that would help Amari with his goals.
Amari attended over 10 sessions during his time being supported by People Know How. Receiving in-person support and feedback, he quickly picked up new digital skills including accessing Google Maps, locating bus timetables, and using Zoom. When he became proficient in using digital technology, he decided to sign up for World of Work and begin his job search. Going the extra mile our coordinators noticed Amari struggled with his vision and discussed the possibilities of free eye tests and glasses to improve his long-term health.
Digital inclusion
Digital poverty affects over 1.7 million households and denies those affected access to digital necessities such as housing, employment, leisure, and financial information. Its impacts can be devastating and debilitating, without essential services and resources available it will continue to affect more lives.
Thanks to our support, Amari found new confidence in himself, became more independent, and reduced the social and digital isolation he had experienced. He’s since been able to begin upskilling, is currently enrolled in a security skills course, and aims to secure a job after this.
You can learn invaluable skills and support those in need like Amari by joining us as a Digital Support Volunteer. Be part of the team helping people to reconnect both digitally and socially, one conversation at a time.