The NHS and partners in the Black Country are working together to give local people who don’t have access to a computer, a free and convenient way to get online.
Black Country Connected is a programme to loan residents a Geobook laptop, providing training to get started as well as ongoing support if needed. There is also a data connection option for those without broadband at home. The programme aims to address digital exclusion and enable people to access a range of online resources including healthcare, education and social opportunities.
Any health and care professional or community group can make a referral to Black Country Connected, for an initial period of three months. The programme is ideal for people who have no or limited access to a device, or who would benefit from help to build their digital skills and confidence. Recipients will be invited to a “hub day” to collect their laptop and get 1:1 start-up training, and they will be asked to complete two short surveys during their loan period.
IPS Team Lead, Laura says:
“Working with Black Country Programmes has been a fantastic opportunity for the Wolverhampton IPS Service to build up resources for our service users to access.
They have been extremely helpful and supportive in enabling us to gain free laptops for clients ensuring we are comfortable with the training we deliver when handing over the laptops.
I myself have found the service very organised and seamless with their approach and I know that our service users have really benefited having the devices to support with their appointments with ourselves, not only has it increased their confidence in IT skills it has also had a positive impact on their mental health by enabling them to not be digitally excluded.”
Kelly, an IPS client in Wolverhampton shared:
“Laura has supported with my recovery as she has helped me to become less socially isolated always attending my appointments to my preference in the community and has also supported me to become less digitally excluded with the Geobook as I can now search for jobs and apply for job opportunities in my free time so that I can succeed in one of my long term goals.
I feel that Black Country Programs has really supported me, I have been abl to create a CV with Laura and an indeed profile, I have also been able to have appointments with the Bridges teams over Microsoft teams and have also been able to begin training programs to support my employment goals. I would recommend the service to anyone who is currently digitally excluded as the program has supported my confidence on IT equipment and has opened a lot of avenues that I can explore with my training and employment goals.
The (IPS) service has been a real help towards me getting back into employment. I enjoy the appointments with IPS as they give me motivation and improve my self-esteem as they give me a goal and support my aspirations as well as improve my confidence.
It has helped with my recovery and the staff have been very supportive with finding out about my needs in terms of support and my employment goals.”
To find out more about Black Country Connectd or to make a referral, please contact Emma Sharman, Digital Inequalities Lead for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07977948895.
For more info about how the IPS team can support you with your employment needs, get in touch.