Build your digital skills with Digitober

From coding and virtual reality to unlocking some of the hidden features of your favourite device, Wigan Borough is set to showcase its digital skills.

Throughout Digitober – a Greater Manchester wide initiative – Wigan Council will be supporting residents to build their confidence with technology.

Workshops will be held across the borough and projects such as the award-winning TechMates will be promoted.

A focus on improving digital literacy to help improve people’s lives and create opportunities for all is a key part of the council’s Progress With Unity approach.

Councillor Nazia Rehman, cabinet member for resources, finance and transformation, said:
“We’re proud to be joining with the other local authorities in Greater Manchester to present Digitober.

“As we transform the way we work as a council it is increasingly important our residents have at least a basic level of digital skills and confidence to enable them to access the services and support available.

“Wigan Borough will have around 338,000 residents by 2030, and it is estimated that approximately 20 per cent of those will be aged 65 or over.

“Although digital exclusion is not only an issue faced by older people, it impacts on lots of areas in our society.

“We are invested in ensuring our residents have the digital tools, confidence, and skills necessary to embrace digital opportunities and to protect themselves and others from potential harm.”

The tech festival will focus around three free family-friendly Tech Time On Tour events in Golborne, Shevington and Leigh libraries, where visitors will be able to enjoy retro gaming, a VR experience zone and coding club.

At the Leigh Library event, Tech Time To Get Digital, there will also be the chance for beginners, who might need extra support to get started on their digital journey, to put their tech questions to the council trained TechMate volunteers.

TechMates is a digital mentor service, where local people with a good basic understanding of tech can volunteer to help others learn how to use digital technologies such as smartphones, tablets, computers or laptops, and build digital confidence.

The Leigh session will also feature a digital arts workshop for children and families, where guests will be able to explore their inner creativity with crafty activities.

Staff from the council’s digital services team will also be on hand at the Leigh event to explain how to access some important council services digitally.

They’ll be joined by staff from other organisations including Wigan Adult Learning, for anyone wishing to develop their digital skills further, and charities including The Carers Centre and Henshaws (supporting people with sight loss) for those who may face extra barriers, but may also gain extra benefits, from accessing the digital world.

The October events are:

•     Tech Time: On Tour, Tuesday 22nd October, Golborne Library, 10:00am until 12 noon
•     Tech Time: On Tour, Friday 25th October, Shevington Library ,1:30pm until 3:30pm
•     Tech Time: to get Digital! Saturday 26th October, Leigh Library, 10:30am until 1:30pm.

Councillor Rehman added: “These events are open to everyone and especially those who might not have had a go at anything digital before and may be feeling a little scared or intimidated by the digital world.

“Our teams and volunteers are so friendly and reassuring, they will quickly put you at your ease, and you may end the day with a new skill or improved confidence, so I would encourage anyone to call into the event that is most convenient for you and give it a go.”

The borough’s Digital Communities Partnership will also be running bespoke sessions for community groups and organisations throughout October, such as Alexa skills, online security training and cyber resilience. To request a session on a specific theme for your community organisation later in the year, please email digitalsupport@wigan.gov.uk.

Find out more about free digital opportunities offered by Wigan Council throughout the year.