Issue details
Healthwatch Digital Access Project
Healthwatch Herefordshire has worked with the
council’s Digital Inclusion Officer (part of Fastershire) to
develop a pilot project to identify up to 30 individuals who have a
health condition, are digitally excluded and from socially deprived
areas, and to provide them with digital equipment and digital
training and support for 12 months. The aim is to improve digital
skills to help them manage their health and wellbeing, and for
experiences from the project to be used to promote the benefits of
internet access and skills to similar individuals and groups. A
‘digital buddy’ will also be trained to support them
beyond the timeframe of the project.
The individuals will
• learn how to use their equipment
• understand the difference it can make to their lives
• understand the advantages and disadvantages should they wish
to use it in the future
• have a ‘digital buddy’ who will offer longer
term support to help them to grow and develop their skills
• understand how to access sites and resources and services
that can provide help with their specific health issues
• have improved knowledge, understanding and ability to manage
their health.
The project will give Healthwatch Herefordshire and the council a
better understanding of the issues around digital access for people
with health conditions, the difference support can make and the
difficulties and barriers that people face even with support.
Healthwatch is a consumer champion for health and social care.
Every Local Authority in England has their own Healthwatch. The
national body, Healthwatch England, gives advice and guidance to
local Healthwatch. Healthwatch England is a statutory body, and an
independent committee within the Care Quality Commission,
accountable to the Secretary of State for Health. Healthwatch
Herefordshire has strong local links with health, care and third
sector organisations in the county, and has a track record of
undertaking projects to support individuals and use that learning
to inform service development.
By supporting Healthwatch Herefordshire by providing £24,900
funding (the remainder of the project costs will be funded by
Healthwatch), the council will have oversight of the project
throughout, and will be able to use the evidence and experiences of
people involved to shape future projects and support, and to
promote the benefits of internet access and skills to similar
individuals and groups.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 13/07/2021
Decision due: 29 June 2021 by Assistant director Corporate Support (Historic)
Contact: Natalia Silver, Service Director - Corporate Services Email: nsilver@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432260732.
Decisions
- 13/07/2021 - Healthwatch Digital Access Project