Changes to the Online Centres Network map, New resource: how to set up a virtual coffee morning

Online Centres Network News Bulletin

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Thursday 7 May 2020

A message from Good Things Foundation Chief Exec, Helen Milner

Useful links:
Update your centre description
View the COVID-19 grants tab
Visit our resources page

KEEPING THE NETWORK ALIVE - AN UPDATE FROM GABI WOODHAMS

Head of Network at Good Things Foundation, Gabi Woodhams, shares how the virtual support of Online Centres has been invaluable to learners since the lockdown began. “It’s been both humbling and inspiring to see how the Online Centres Network has responded to this crisis. Despite isolation and social distancing, you’re making sure the most vulnerable people in your communities don’t feel alone and aren’t forgotten."

In her update, Gabi shares how the team at Good Things Foundation has been working closely with centres to provide support through both DevicesDotNow and the Response and Resilience Fund. Take a read of her latest blog on the website.

Supporting individuals remotely: how to set up a virtual coffee morning

We’ve heard some fantastic stories about how staff at community centres and libraries have been finding ways to substitute the face-to-face support that is valued by many of the people that they regularly help.

To help our centres, we’re working with partners to create a series of easy-to-follow guides for delivering digital skills support remotely. The first in the series comes from Rachel Benn, Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator at Leeds Libraries, who found a way to keep a much-loved coffee morning going online. She outlines how successful this has been for The Digital Health Hub at Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours, supporting many of their isolated members during the centre closure.

View the guide here

ABILITYNET FREE HELPLINE AND WEBINARS

AbilityNet, a charity that supports disabled and older people with technology, is providing virtual support, particularly to individuals who are likely to be isolated or lonely. The charity supports individuals at home, at work and in education and is temporarily offering a free helpline for people to gain remote support on 0800 269 545. In addition, the charity is running a series of webinars - AbilityNet Live. Topics include how to access online learning to stay motivated, taking care of your mental health and how to use Alexa and other smart speakers to stay connected.

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