In an additional boost to the 100% Digital York partnership, the Keeping Digital Foundation opened its fifth Digital Cafe at St Sampsons Centre in the York City Centre, a great community venue that will allow us to make monthly face-to-face digital inclusion support even more accessible to York residents. 

 

The Digital Cafe network is being rolled out by the Keeping Digital Foundation across York, allowing residents to get dedicated support in getting online. People can come along, have a warm drink and get answers to their questions about all things digital and ask for advice about getting the most out of their digital devices. Volunteers will be on hand to help people get online, and support could be anything from setting up a smart phone to signing up to the NHS app or York Council website. No bookings are required, and people can stick around for a few minutes, or a couple of hours. Residents can also see a volunteer at any Digital Cafe to find out more about the Databank support available and to apply for free data if they are eligible. 

 

This Digital Cafe joins our strong network with face-to-face services already running at Tang Hall Explore Library, Sanderson House in Chapelfields, St Wulstan in Heworth, and at the York Stadium in Huntington.  

 

The announcement also comes as the Digital Cafe network nears its first year running across the city, with the first Digital Cafe having launched in September 2022 at Tang Hall Library. 

 

This new Digital Cafe running on the fourth Tuesday of every month, from 10am-12pm, is enabling the Keeping Digital Foundation to expand their volunteering opportunities. Sixth-form/college students and university students can sign up for a flexible volunteering role that will allow them to engage with their community and learn new skills. Training and support is provided, and people can register their interest to volunteer on the Keeping Digital Foundation website. 

 

A spokesperson at the Keeping Digital Foundation commented: 

“It's hard to believe in just under a year we now have five Digital Cafes running across the city of York, providing digital inclusion support to local residents at locations that are suitable to them. With large amounts of services moving online, it’s important that residents are provided an option to gain the skills they need to make the most of digital and to get connected, whether that be finding out about local Council information or getting in touch with their GP via the NHS app. Our volunteers will be available for a warm drink and a chat, and we really encourage residents to stop by and speak with them to find out more about how we can support them in getting online. After a trial Digital Cafe session at St Sampsons in July, we can see how popular this location is, with thanks to its central location and already popular range of services.” 

 

Barbara Swinn, Head of Strategy and Engagement at Explore Libraries and Archives and lead partner for 100% Digital York said: “Digital Cafes are a great addition to the work already happening in the city to support people to build digital confidence, providing a relaxed, informal drop-in with a warm drink and friendly support in the heart of the community. This initiative will support the ambition of a digitally inclusive city for all.” 

 

Find out more about the Digital Cafes on the Keeping Digital Foundation website.