Whitchurch goes digital! We all know that many services, businesses and careers are online and in order for Whitchurch to keep its community connected, we need to provide a space and support to enable this. We intend to do this by refurbishing an empty ground floor unit to provide accessible, inclusive learning space. We would provide: Day-to-day digital - Help to access services online Climate and Green skills Upskilling digital - Employability and business Co-working - for self employed individuals looking to reduce isolation This funding will help towards our start-up costs, including the rent and utility bills, equipment such as refurbished laptops and audio-visual equipment to deliver training and some second hand office furniture and signage. There are some admin costs too as we also need people to run the hub and would use some of this towards appointment of a community lead. Over time our support offer will grow to meet the needs of the community.

What we'll deliver:

• 5 refurbished laptops for community use in the hub
• 4 refurbished spin office chairs for training
• 6 refurbished static office chairs for 1:1 support
• 2 more small desks for day to day use
• Large tv for main area with audio visual to take part in training
• Refurbished monitors and keyboards for improved accessibility
• Another member of staff to extend working hours and cover school holidays
• Guest events for businesses and early careers/young people
• Climate education workshops
• Digital education workshops

Why it's a great idea:

For those who do struggle to get online, return to work, or use a device like a phone, laptop, or tablet, we will offer a friendly, welcoming space with equipment, training, and support. For those most in need, we will also provide free data to get online at home. For those who already have some digital skills and want to grow—whether for personal development, business, or green skills—we will offer equipment, space, and facilities to learn. We will collaborate with local experts to run engaging workshops, including building your own computer, coding, social media, marketing, and sustainable tech solutions. We will also connect with wider networks to bring in specialist training and events. For self-employed individuals and businesses, we will support a digitally skilled workforce and provide access to emerging digital and climate-focused technologies. We will also host a regular co-work club and business breakfasts to encourage networking and innovation.

Steps to get it done:

• Developing the design plans for the build
• Starting the building works
• Completion of building works
• Furniture and equipment
• Health and Safety and signage
• Training of staff
• Opening of hub
• 1st community workshop
• Recruitment of community manager

We see an opportunity to deliver a project that could create multiple benefits for many different parts of the community. Digital skills are such a fundamental part of society now and can be a real barrier to day to day living, employment and business. We hope that you also see the benefit of investing in this project with us to really get it established. So far we have self-financed this project at a cost of £5k.