Tech Members in North West Surrey no longer able to access Tech Angel service due to lack of funding

We’ve been catching up with Attia, The Coalition’s Outreach Officer. Attia’s role involves working with the local communities in Surrey that may benefit from the support we can offer. This includes people who are digitally excluded in Surrey, who are at a much higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Our Tech Angel volunteers provide digital support and training to people across Surrey who are digitally excluded, transforming people’s lives through learning to use digital devices and getting connected.

Unfortunately, due to being unable to secure funding we have had to stop providing our Tech Angel service to Tech Members in North West Surrey and can’t offer the service to new applicants in this area.

Attia spoke with us about the negative impact this has had on Tech Members in North West Surrey, especially people who have just started training and didn’t get to complete it. This is leaving people who are digital excluded in North West Surrey isolated and at a much higher risk of loneliness. Many of our Tech Members can’t leave their homes easily to access technology sessions, often the transport to the venue can be too expensive or for some the location is too far to travel. Attia said ‘It’s very frustrating and upsetting that this area of Surrey is missing out on digital inclusion.’

North West Surrey is an area where we had many Tech Members from diverse backgrounds engaged with the Tech Angel service. We are saddened that we were unable to secure funding and the impact this has already had on members.

We have provided alternative local service options for people looking for digital support in North West Surrey:

• The Digital Buddy Scheme offer support on using computers, laptops and digital tablets. The scheme is available across libraries in Surrey: Digital Buddy – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
• Digital Welfare Support run IT skills sessions for people who are digitally excluded in Surrey. The welcoming sessions are run across Surrey in libraries and community centres: Improve your computer and internet skills – Surrey County Council (surreycc.gov.uk)
• The Angelic Network (Home – Angelic Network Community Interest) run welcoming and helpful computer skills classes at SheerWater Youth Centre, Blackmore Cres, Woking GU21 5NS. The class is free and runs every Thursday 10:00am – 11:00am. Email: info@angelicnetwork.co for more information.