Brendoncare opens its first digital café at Otterbourne Hill

The digital café opened its doors at Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill’s community hub where it will take place fortnightly on Thursday mornings.

Attendees at the launch included members of the local community, Brendoncare members and volunteers, NHS representatives and organisations supporting older people.

Sam Agnew, Director of Charitable Impact and Community Services outlined how Brendoncare’s has developed its digital connection services. One way is the recruitment of volunteer digital champions to provide peer-led support.

Further expansion of Brendoncare’s digital support is planned with the recruitment of more volunteer Digital Champions and digital cafés.

Digital Champion volunteers Lorraine Cooke and Anthony Platt also spoke about their experiences in the role and the difference they are making.

Digital Champions help people in a number of different ways. This comprises setting up their tablets, smart phones and laptops to helping them use social media, shop or buying tickets online or source specialist information from the millions of website pages now available.

Sam Agnew explained: “We know from engaging with our members that their confidence and ability, as well as appetite to learn digital skills, varies a lot.

Support:

“Through the Digital Café, we are offering help when people want it. Through our wonderful Digital Champions, they have support from people who are trusted and relatable. This is often the most successful way to help them become more confident.”

The Digital Café is one of 11 Brendoncare clubs running in Otterbourne.

Otterbourne Digital Café takes place fortnightly on Thursday mornings, 10:00-12:00. All are welcome to drop in for some tech help from our friendly Digital Champions.