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Digital Equity Learning and Development Project Starting in the New Year

GRCC staff hold flags and bunting while GRCC Digital Manager Dan Gale receive a cheque from National Lottery Community Fund representative Ciaran Murphy

The National Lottery Community Fund's Ciaran Murphy (centre, left) presents a big cheque to GRCC's Digital Equity Manager Dan Gale.

We are delighted to be able to announce that the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded us a significant grant to ramp up our digital equity work across Gloucestershire.   

Our new ACORN Project (Advancing Communities and Organisations through Resources and Nurturing) will enable us to help an additional 7500 disadvantaged people in Gloucestershire.  We will give them better access to digital devices and connectivity, help them gain the confidence and skills needed to take full advantage of today’s increasingly digital society, and we will be upskilling some of the vital VCS organisations supporting them.

The three-year ACORN Project will be all about working with peer-to-peer groups and the Voluntary & Community Sector across Gloucestershire to improve digital knowledge and capacity, and enable those most in need to access the help and support they require. 

This support will be given to individuals and groups unable to access existing one-to-one support in the Districts, through the training of organisations supporting those in digital poverty.   The project will use people’s experiences and local data to help shape and influence the future planning and delivery of digital and other support services in the county.

Central to the project is the creation of 'Digital Voices’, where different communities across Gloucestershire can share their views and experiences of digital and technology issues. 

GRCC's CEO, Barbara Piranty said, "We are grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund for this opportunity. This funding doesn’t just support the project, it builds a sustainable offer of practical help for those who need it most, whilst helping to develop digital policies, planning and delivery informed by the real-life experiences of the most digitally excluded in communities."

Dan Gale, GRCC’s Digital Equity Manager leading the project added, "Through ‘Digital Voices’ and our support for community initiatives, we'll be helping everyone in Gloucestershire to shape a digital offer that works for all."

Jonathan Eastwood, England Deputy Director at The National Lottery Community Fund said, “We’re delighted to support GRCC’s digital upskilling project, which will enable people experiencing digital exclusion to connect with their communities and access vital support, thanks to National Lottery players.”

 “GRCC is vital in supporting people in Gloucestershire to connect with others and reduce social isolation, and is just one example of our mission to support communities to come together.”

If your organisation would like to join DAISI, GRCC's digital equity and inclusion network, please email digital@grcc.org.uk

 

 

Posted by Peter R on July 30th 2024

Contact Info

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
Community House
15 College Green
Gloucester GL1 2LZ

T: 01452 528491

GRCC is a registered charity (number 1054282) and a Limited Company (number 3181755).

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I must say you have been one of the best speakers/external experts I have encountered in my 35 years as a public servant... On behalf of the Parish Council I thank you for your work with us.  (Comment to our Affordable Housing  / Housing Needs Surveys Team)

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