People right now are self-isolating but when this pandemic is over and they are free to go about their day to day lives, we want to give the people of Sefton a space and the tools to learn, reconnect and to get back in touch with their community. Digital connectedness is key to reducing isolation and loneliness for all ages - especially the elderly and those who might struggle with self-confidence and their mental health. Getting people comfortable using IT is a great tool to build on this. We want to give the people of Sefton the opportunity to build confidence, build a network of new friends and learn new skills at L30 Community Centre, all at no cost to them. Once we're all allowed back out, many of our community will not have the resources or funds to invest in upskilling themselves. If we could facilitate this, it will empower them - it could be life-changing. Not just for the participants but for us too. We want to make a difference. You can help us!

What we'll deliver:

• Module 1. Weeks 1 & 2. Learn how to enhance your digital photos, remove backgrounds and sharpen image etc.
• Module 2. Weeks 3 & 4 Learn how to create greeting cards by using the images they have enhanced.
• Module 3. Weeks 5 & 6 Learn how to create bespoke calendars by using internet images.
• Module 4. Weeks 7 & 8 Create 3D images by taking a 2D shape and turning it into 3D shape using shadows and textures.
• Module 5. Weeks 9 & 10 Learn how to create your own shapes to turn into 3D illustrations.
• Module 6. Weeks 11 & 12 Learn how to turn your 3D illustrations into animations.
• Week 13. Will be a mock test followed by a test proper, to give participants a sense of achievement.
• Week 14. This will be the final day where we have a certificate presentation.
• We want to give the participants a bit of a celebration to let them know that their hard work has been recognised.
• 5 new laptops to add to our existing 5 which can then be taken to other community centres

Why it's a great idea:

This programme will combat social isolation by giving people a safe space to come together and learn something new - increasing confidence and building digital skills that they can then use in their day to day lives. Getting people comfortable using IT is key to ensuring they feel less alone when they physically can't get out and about. We will upskill local volunteers to take over the sessions moving forward. In 2019 we ran 2 digital session programmes called DIGITAL HEROES. This was a collaborative pilot project set up in partnership with Veterans in Sefton to help local veterans learn new skills which helped them re-engage with their community, whilst supporting mental health and wellbeing. We worked with two main Veteran support projects in Sefton. Digital Heroes helped veterans, especially those who were socially isolated or vulnerable, to use technology and feel more connected with their communities and more in control of their daily lives.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchasing Laptops x 5 before the programs begin.
• Purchasing O365 x 3 before the programs begin.
• Qualified Tutor x 1 will be paid monthly over a period of 12 months (not consecutive).
• Purchasing office materials-equipment-miscellaneous As and when needed such as printing materials and folders etc
• Purchasing Internet Protection before the programs begin.
• Procure 2 x volunteers before the programs begin.
• We would like the programs to begin by July 2020 but in-light of Covid-19 that date may change.
• We hope to have one of our programs running through the Christmas period
• as we will be showing how participants can make their own bespoke Calenders' and greetings cards

At the end of 2019 we finished working with the Sefton Veterans. Working with 2 veteran support groups, Bootle & Southport. We found by delivering previous sessions called the ‘Digital Heroes’ programs there is more of a need for our digital training sessions than we first anticipated. An example would be, one of our learners had almost no skills and found it difficult to use the cursor pad. Identifying this at an early stage of the program helped us teach the learner new skills and how to use the cursor pad. But not only that, they learned by being patient and not getting frustrated got them through it. This attitude or change of, gave them enough confidence to grow throughout the sessions and create their own artwork. Others have suggested new business ventures, which we offered assistance with if needed, when they are ready to take their business idea to the next step. So the benefits could be a total change of attitude to work, life and the people around them. All in a good way.