Blog

  • Housing Associations: Get Free Digital Skills Training for Your Tenants

    In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever for people to have access to digital skills. Digital skills can help people find jobs, learn new things, and stay connected with friends and family. However, not everyone has the same access to digital skills training. Housing associations can help bridge this gap by offering free digital skills training to their tenants.

    There are many benefits to offering free digital skills training to tenants. First, it can help tenants find jobs. Many jobs now require some level of digital skills, such as the ability to use a computer and the internet. By providing tenants with the skills they need to use these technologies, housing associations can help them find jobs and improve their economic security.

    Second, offering free digital skills training can help tenants learn new things. The internet is a vast resource for information and education. By providing tenants with the skills they need to access this information, housing associations can help them learn new things and improve their lives.

    Third, offering free digital skills training can help tenants stay connected with friends and family. The internet is a great way to stay in touch with people who live far away. By providing tenants with the skills they need to use these technologies, housing associations can help them stay connected with their loved ones.

    If you are a housing association, I encourage you to offer free digital skills training to your tenants. It is a great way to help them improve their lives and build a brighter future.

    How to Get Started

    If you are interested in offering free digital skills training to your tenants, there are a few things you need to do. First, you need to find a provider of digital skills training. There are many providers available, both for-profit and nonprofit. Once you have found a provider, you need to contact them and discuss your needs. They will be able to help you design a training program that is tailored to your tenants’ needs.

    Once you have a training program in place, you need to promote it to your tenants. You can do this through your website, social media, and other channels. You can also offer incentives to tenants who participate in the training, such as gift cards or discounts on rent.

    By offering free digital skills training to your tenants, you can help them improve their lives and build a brighter future.

  • How to Write a Letter to Your Housing Association Asking for Digital Inclusion Help

    In today’s world, it is more important than ever to have access to the internet and digital technologies. The internet has become an essential tool for education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. However, not everyone has equal access to these resources. Digital poverty is the lack of access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the skills to use them. It can have a significant impact on people’s lives, limiting their opportunities and opportunities for social mobility.

    If you are a tenant who is struggling to access the internet or who needs help using digital technologies, you can write a letter to your housing association asking for help. In your letter, be sure to include the following information:

    • Your name and address
    • Your housing association’s name and address
    • The specific types of digital inclusion help you are requesting (e.g., help with getting connected to the internet, help with using digital devices, help with learning digital skills)
    • The reasons why you need this help (e.g., you are struggling to find a job, you are trying to learn online, you are trying to stay connected with friends and family)
    • Any other relevant information

    You can also include any supporting documents, such as proof of your income or disability.

    Once you have written your letter, be sure to mail it to your housing association’s address. You can also email it to them, but it is always best to send a hard copy as well.

    Here are some tips for writing a persuasive letter:

    • Be clear and concise.
    • State your purpose clearly and early in the letter.
    • Use strong evidence to support your request.
    • Be respectful and polite.
    • Proofread your letter carefully before sending it.

    By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the digital inclusion help you need.

  • Digital poverty: What it is and how it can be solved

    In today’s world, it is more important than ever to have access to the internet and digital technologies. The internet has become an essential tool for education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. However, not everyone has equal access to these resources. Digital poverty is the lack of access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the skills to use them. It can have a significant impact on people’s lives, limiting their opportunities and opportunities for social mobility.

    There are many factors that can contribute to digital poverty, including:

    • Income: People who live in poverty are less likely to be able to afford the devices and services needed to connect to the internet.
    • Location: People who live in rural areas or in areas with poor infrastructure may have difficulty accessing the internet.
    • Education: People who have not been educated in how to use ICTs are less likely to be able to use them effectively.
    • Gender: Women are more likely than men to be digitally excluded.
    • Disability: People with disabilities may face additional barriers to accessing and using ICTs.

    There are a number of things that can be done to address digital poverty, including:

    • Providing affordable access to the internet: Governments and businesses can work together to make the internet more affordable for people living in poverty.
    • Improving digital literacy: Governments and educational institutions can provide training on how to use ICTs effectively.
    • Providing devices and services: Governments and charities can provide devices and services to help people connect to the internet.
    • Removing barriers to access: Governments can work to remove barriers to access, such as lack of infrastructure or discrimination.

    Bespoke managed solutions can help to address digital poverty by providing tailored solutions to the specific needs of different groups. For example, a bespoke managed solution could provide affordable access to the internet for people living in poverty, or it could provide training on how to use ICTs effectively for people with disabilities.

    By taking steps to address digital poverty, we can help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy and to live a full and productive life.

  • What help is available for housing association tenants?

    Housing associations are organizations that provide affordable housing to people who need it. They do this by building and managing homes, and by providing support services to their tenants.

    There are many different types of help that are available to housing association tenants. Some of this help is financial, while other help is more practical.

    Financial help

    Housing associations can provide financial help to their tenants in a number of ways. This can include:

    • Rent subsidies: Housing associations can help tenants to pay their rent by providing them with rent subsidies. This can be a significant help for tenants who are struggling to make ends meet.
    • Energy bills assistance: Housing associations can also help tenants to pay their energy bills. This can be a major help for tenants who are struggling to keep their homes warm in the winter or cool in the summer.
    • Moving costs: Housing associations can also help tenants with the costs of moving. This can include things like helping to pay for moving trucks and packing supplies.

    Practical help

    In addition to financial help, housing associations can also provide practical help to their tenants. This can include:

    • Home repairs: Housing associations can help tenants to repair their homes. This can include things like fixing broken appliances or making repairs to the roof or gutters.
    • Home improvements: Housing associations can also help tenants to improve their homes. This can include things like painting the walls or installing new flooring.
    • Community support: Housing associations can also provide community support to their tenants. This can include things like organizing community events or providing access to social services.

    How to get help

    If you are a housing association tenant and you need help, there are a few things you can do. First, you should contact your housing association. They will be able to tell you what help is available to you and how to apply for it.

    You can also contact your local council. They may be able to provide you with financial or practical help.

    Finally, there are a number of charities and other organizations that can help housing association tenants. You can find a list of these organizations online or by contacting your local council.

    If you are a housing association tenant and you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out for it. There are a number of resources available to you, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

  • Fun Internet Facts

    • The first computer was the ENIAC, which was built in 1946. It weighed 30 tons and took up 1,800 square feet of space.
    • The first computer mouse was invented in 1964 by Douglas Engelbart. It was made of wood and had two wheels.
    • The first commercial computer game was Pong, which was released in 1972. It was a simple tennis game that could be played on two TVs.
    • The first personal computer was the Altair 8800, which was released in 1975. It cost $439 and came in a kit that had to be assembled by the user.
    • The first graphical user interface (GUI) was developed by Xerox in 1973. It was called the Alto and featured a mouse, icons, and windows.
    • The first Apple Macintosh computer was released in 1984. It was the first mass-produced computer with a GUI.
    • The first internet browser was called Mosaic, which was released in 1993. It was developed by a team at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
    • The first social networking site was Six Degrees, which was launched in 1997. It allowed users to connect with friends of friends.
    • The first smartphone was the BlackBerry, which was released in 2002. It featured a physical keyboard and a BlackBerry Messenger app.
    • The first tablet computer was the iPad, which was released in 2010. It had a large touchscreen display and ran on the iOS operating system.
    • The first virtual reality headset was the Oculus Rift, which was released in 2016. It allowed users to experience virtual worlds.

    These are just a few of the many fun computer facts that there are. Computers have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for them.

  • Internet Access and Digital Literacy in the UK

    In today’s world, access to the internet and digital technologies is essential for participating in society. People use the internet to stay connected with friends and family, to find jobs, to learn new things, and to access government services. Those who do not have access to the internet are at a significant disadvantage.

    In the UK, there are a number of initiatives in place to promote internet access and digital literacy. These include:

    • The Universal Service Obligation (USO): The USO is a legal requirement on UK communications providers to provide a basic level of broadband internet access to all UK premises.
    • The Digital Skills Partnership (DSP): The DSP is a government-funded program that provides digital skills training to adults in the UK.
    • The National Digital Inclusion Strategy (NDIS): The NDIS is a government-led strategy to promote digital inclusion in the UK.

    These initiatives have helped to improve internet access and digital literacy in the UK. However, there are still some people who do not have access to the internet or who lack the skills to use it effectively.

    There are a number of reasons why people may not have access to the internet. These include:

    • Cost: Internet access can be expensive, especially for people on low incomes.
    • Location: Some people live in areas where there is no broadband internet coverage.
    • Digital skills: Some people lack the skills to use the internet effectively.

    There are a number of things that can be done to help people who do not have access to the internet or who lack the skills to use it effectively. These include:

    • Providing free or low-cost internet access: This can be done through government programs, libraries, and community centers.
    • Offering digital literacy training: This can be done through government programs, schools, and community centers.
    • Raising awareness of the importance of internet access and digital literacy: This can be done through public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.

    By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that everyone in the UK has the opportunity to benefit from the many opportunities that the digital world has to offer.

  • Why Housing Associations Should Help Tenants

    Housing associations are organizations that provide affordable housing to people who need it. They do this by building and managing homes, and by providing support services to their tenants.

    There are many reasons why housing associations should help their tenants. Some of these reasons include:

    • To provide a safe and secure home: Everyone deserves to live in a safe and secure home. Housing associations can help to make this happen by providing quality housing that is well-maintained and free from crime.
    • To improve the quality of life: Housing associations can help to improve the quality of life for their tenants by providing them with access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, and employment support.
    • To promote social inclusion: Housing associations can help to promote social inclusion by providing their tenants with opportunities to participate in their communities. This can be done by providing access to community facilities, such as libraries and sports centers, and by supporting tenants to get involved in local activities.
    • To reduce poverty: Housing associations can help to reduce poverty by providing affordable housing to people who would otherwise struggle to find it. This can help people to save money, which can then be used to improve their quality of life.

    Housing associations play an important role in society. They provide affordable housing to people who need it, and they help to improve the quality of life for their tenants. By helping their tenants, housing associations can make a real difference in the world.

    In addition to the reasons listed above, housing associations can also help their tenants by:

    • Providing financial assistance: Housing associations can help their tenants with financial assistance, such as rent subsidies and emergency funds. This can help tenants to make ends meet and to avoid homelessness.
    • Providing job training: Housing associations can help their tenants with job training and placement services. This can help tenants to find employment and to improve their financial situation.
    • Providing childcare: Housing associations can provide childcare services for tenants who need it. This can help tenants to work or to go to school.
    • Providing health care: Housing associations can provide health care services for tenants who need it. This can help tenants to stay healthy and to avoid costly medical bills.

    Housing associations are a valuable resource for people who need affordable housing. By providing a variety of services, housing associations can help their tenants to improve their lives and to become more self-sufficient.

  • How Digital Inclusion Can Help Housing Associations Clients

    In today’s digital world, access to the internet and digital technologies is essential for participating in society. People use the internet to stay connected with friends and family, to find jobs, to learn new things, and to access government services. Those who do not have access to the internet are at a significant disadvantage.

    Digital inclusion is the process of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world. This includes having access to the internet, computers, and other digital devices, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to use them effectively.

    There are many ways that digital inclusion can help housing associations clients. For example, it can help them:

    • Find jobs: The internet is a great resource for job seekers. It can be used to search for jobs, apply for jobs, and network with potential employers.
    • Learn new skills: There are many online resources that can help people learn new skills. This includes everything from basic computer literacy to more specialized skills such as coding and web design.
    • Access government services: Many government services are now available online. This can make it easier for people to access the services they need, such as benefits and healthcare.
    • Stay connected with friends and family: The internet is a great way to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. It can be used to send emails, chat, and video chat.
    • Participate in their communities: The internet can be used to participate in community events, volunteer, and get involved in local politics.

    Digital inclusion is an important issue for housing associations. By helping their clients to get online and to use digital technologies, housing associations can help them to improve their lives and to participate more fully in society.

    Here are some specific examples of how housing associations can promote digital inclusion:

    • Provide free or low-cost internet access to their tenants.
    • Offer digital literacy training to their tenants.
    • Partner with local businesses and organizations to provide access to computers and the internet.
    • Promote the use of digital technologies in their tenants’ lives.

    By taking these steps, housing associations can help to ensure that their tenants have the opportunity to benefit from the many opportunities that the digital world has to offer.

  • How a Bespoke Tech Service Can Bring Digital Skills and Equipment at a Low Cost to a Housing Association

    In today’s digital world, it is more important than ever for people to have access to the internet and digital technologies. This is especially true for people who live in housing associations, as they may be more likely to face barriers to digital inclusion.

    There are a number of things that housing associations can do to help their tenants access the internet and digital technologies. One way is to provide a bespoke tech service. A bespoke tech service is a tailored service that is designed to meet the specific needs of a housing association and its tenants.

    A bespoke tech service can provide a number of benefits to housing associations, including:

    • Increased digital inclusion: A bespoke tech service can help to increase digital inclusion by providing tenants with the skills and equipment they need to access the internet and digital technologies.
    • Reduced costs: A bespoke tech service can help to reduce costs by providing tenants with access to affordable internet and digital equipment.
    • Improved tenant satisfaction: A bespoke tech service can help to improve tenant satisfaction by providing them with the support they need to use the internet and digital technologies.

    There are a number of things that housing associations need to consider when choosing a bespoke tech service. These include:

    • The needs of their tenants: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that meets the specific needs of their tenants.
    • The cost of the service: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that is affordable.
    • The quality of the service: Housing associations need to choose a bespoke tech service that is of high quality.

    By choosing a bespoke tech service, housing associations can help to ensure that their tenants have access to the internet and digital technologies. This can help to improve their lives and to make them more independent.

  • The Importance of Digital Inclusion

    In today’s world, access to the internet and digital technologies is essential for participating in society. People use the internet to stay connected with friends and family, to find jobs, to learn new things, and to access government services. Those who do not have access to the internet are at a significant disadvantage.

    Digital inclusion is the process of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world. This includes having access to the internet, computers, and other digital devices, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to use them effectively.

    There are many reasons why digital inclusion is important. First, it can help to reduce poverty and inequality. People who have access to the internet are more likely to be employed, to earn higher wages, and to have access to education and healthcare. Second, digital inclusion can help to improve health and well-being. People who use the internet are more likely to be physically active, to eat a healthy diet, and to get regular checkups. Third, digital inclusion can help to strengthen communities. People who use the internet are more likely to be involved in their communities, to volunteer, and to vote.

    There are many things that can be done to promote digital inclusion. Governments can provide subsidies for internet access and computers. Schools can provide digital literacy training. Businesses can offer online training and support. And community organizations can provide access to computers and the internet in libraries, community centers, and other public places.

    Digital inclusion is an important issue for everyone. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world and to benefit from the many opportunities it offers.

    Here are some additional benefits of digital inclusion:

    • Increased economic opportunities: People who have access to the internet are more likely to be employed and to earn higher wages.
    • Improved education: The internet provides access to a wealth of educational resources, including online courses, tutorials, and libraries.
    • Enhanced healthcare: The internet can be used to access medical information, to schedule appointments, and to communicate with doctors.
    • Stronger communities: The internet can be used to connect with friends and family, to participate in community events, and to volunteer.
    • Reduced isolation: The internet can be a lifeline for people who are isolated or who live in rural areas.

    Digital inclusion is an important goal for our society. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital world and to benefit from the many opportunities it offers.