More than 1000 receive free help to overcome digital dilemmas

Tonia (right) with Digital Skills Volunteer Chris

A Shropshire Council initiative giving people the skills and confidence to use the internet is well on its way to meeting its targets.

The Digital Skills Programme offers free weekly learning sessions and Digital Drop-Ins for eligible residents and aims to support 2,250 people by March 2026.

Thanks to the network of more than 70 dedicated digital volunteers based within 27 learning hubs across the county, 1,269 Shropshire residents have been supported to become more confident online.

Wistanswick resident Tonia has taken part in the programme and is enjoying her new-found digital know-how. She now banks online, uses email and WhatsApp to keep in touch with friends, and shares photos using her iPad. Tonia said of her learning experience:

It was great fun to learn something new and I’m no longer worried by my lack of knowledge.

People who aren’t on board with the internet are missing out. I recommend the Digital Skills Programme to everyone – it’s free, and you meet some lovely people while you are learning.

Tonia – Digital Skills Learner

For Chris, one of the digital volunteers at the Roy Fletcher Centre in Shrewsbury, the programme has become a major part of his week, adding:

I enjoy teaching people how to overcome their digital difficulties.

I’m amazed how quickly they learn once they have help. Being a digital volunteer is such a positive and rewarding experience, I’m valued by the people I’ve helped and made many new friends too.

Shropshire Council has also repurposed more than 100 of its own laptops and mobile phones for the Digital Skills Programme along with 25 smart tablets donated by council highways contractor, Kier, which are helping to get local people online.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:

Access to the internet is becoming an essential part of daily life, and through the Digital Skills programme, Shropshire Council is helping more people gain the confidence and skills to navigate the online world safely.

I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many participants and volunteers, hearing first-hand about the life-changing impact this programme is having. Reaching the incredible milestone of supporting over 1,000 people is a true testament to the dedication and commitment of our digital volunteers.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Digital Skills Programme, or you’re interested in becoming a digital volunteer contact our Digital Skills Lead, Andrea Miller on 01743 254834 or email andrea.miller@shropshire.gov.uk

For more information visit Computer Skills For All