Refreshing new way to receive digital help

Dorset Council’s digital champions have added a new service to their menu after launching new sessions at a café and restaurant.

Visitors to the Pavilion in the Park (PIP) café in Poundbury and Anglebury House in Wareham can now get more than just a ‘byte’ to eat.

On Thursdays in Poundbury and Fridays in Wareham, people can also drop-in to see volunteer digital champions Mike Watson and Mike Hicks at the cafes with any digital query they might have.

From getting to grips with a new device or learning how to use online services like banking apps or GP appointments, the two Mikes will be ready with a cuppa and warm smile – and ready to help.

Mike Watson, who will be running his Thursday sessions from 2 to 4pm, said: “Once again, the council’s digital champions service has set up a new way to help Dorset residents get online safely.

“I get a real buzz from helping someone get online, whether it is for something serious, such as starting to use the NHS App, or something more fun, such as selling an old sofa on eBay.

“Smartphones, tablets and laptops can be our gateway to a huge range of services available on the internet. It’s my job to make sure that users are safe and secure when online. Bring your smart device into PIP and give it a go.”

And Mike Hicks, whose Friday sessions at Anglebury House will be from 10am to 12 noon, added: “I help people of any age and experience overcome their digital challenges.

“We can help people learn to use or get the best out of their device, amend settings on a phone and get people’s emails working so they can keep in touch with family and friends. 

“As a retired IT manager, I have a wealth of experience that I am only too happy to share. It gives me immense satisfaction to give something back to the community. Just drop by to see me at Anglebury House on a Friday and don’t forget to bring your device.”

Dorset Council has more than 40 volunteer digital champions who provide face to face sessions across the county in libraries and community centres – and now hospitality venues.

Last year, the service celebrated its 10th anniversary and, in that decade, has helped around 15,000 people in face-to-face sessions and a further 3,500 over the Dorset Digital Hotline.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said: “I’m delighted to see the digital champions expand their service so they can help even more people get online.

“As we move more into a digital world it’s essential that no-one is left behind.

“The council and our residents are very lucky to have this tremendous team of volunteers who give up their time to help others.”

People can find out where their nearest digital champion session is, or ask for help over the phone, by calling the council’s Digital Hotline on 01305 221048 on weekdays during office hours.