Prof Vic Rayner

The National Care Forum (NCF) has been selected as one of 50 partners in an initiative to combat digital exclusion in the Liverpool City Region by helping people get online safely and confidently.

The scheme is funded by the UK government’s digital inclusion innovation fund and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and is aimed at identifying and scaling opportunities to tackle and cut digital exclusion to help make sure people, and particularly those most at risk, are not excluded from accessing digital technologies.

‘We are delighted to have joined this consortium with other partners who are equally committed to ensuring people in the Liverpool City Region have the opportunity to engage with digital devices, get connected and use online services to help them live their daily lives to the full,’ said Vic Rayner, NCF chief executive officer.

‘Working with our 16 adult social care testbed members, all of whom operate care and support services supporting over 12,500 people in the Liverpool City Region, we will identify people most at risk of exclusion and provide them with a free digital tablet, six months of online connectivity and help setting up their device.’

NCF’s digital skills development lead, Lynne Horton, will provide training tailored to people’s needs. Standard training will include cyber security courses to show people how to get online safely, avoid scams, recognise safe websites such as those providing government services and access benefits. People can then choose from modules focused on health and wellbeing, financial inclusion, online learning and skills and employment and careers.

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