Building Digital Capacity & Confidence in Rural Northern Ireland

Louise Leonard and Brian Richardson from Cashel Community Association in Fermanagh

Supporting Communities has embarked on a partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to build digital skills in rural areas, many of which are finally getting high-speed broadband through Project Stratum.

The project will initially involve 50 people identified through the Local Rural Support Networks who will receive a tablet computer and take part in a six-week training course. We will make links with broadband providers, banks, and other organisations that can feed into the programme.

Stephanie McKillop, Digital Inclusion Officer, is excited about this new opportunity to expand her reach.

Walter Ferris, Donaghcloney community garden

“Digital inclusion means having access to the internet and the skills and confidence to use it well,” she said. “This project addresses both and can make a real impact on people’s lives. Over the pandemic, I have seen first-hand the difference that it made to those who could manage their affairs and stay in contact online compared to those who did not have the skills to do so. The experience has only served to reinforce how crucial digital literacy is to our mental, social, emotional, and financial wellbeing.”

Gareth Evans, Deputy Director of Rural Affairs at DAERA, commented, “We understand that digital exclusion can limit communities and that it is crucial that everyone is given the opportunity to gain essential digital skills. We have made a significant investment in ensuring broadband reaches every part of Northern Ireland so we are delighted to be working with Supporting Communities to help rural communities make the most of the internet and reap all the benefits it can bring.”