Banking, shopping, keeping in touch with friends and family – so much of what we do these days happens online. But for some, getting connected is not as easy, with many barriers in their way.

Now, thanks to a brand-new initiative, we have a team on hand to help get you connected.

We caught up with Hannah and Emma from the team at their recent session at one of our Haven schemes in the Amman Valley.

Hannah starts our chat by giving a quick overview of what the new initiative is all about:
“Our Digital Connections project is funded by the Welsh Government and is all about boosting the digital confidence of our tenants. It aims to help them overcome any obstacles that prevent them getting online.

“It’s our job to then meet with them to understand what they’re struggling with and provide them with tailored advice and support. Maybe they don’t have a suitable device, have no Wi-Fi or data connection or simply don’t know what to click or press once they’re online. Whatever their issue is then we’ll try our best to help them.”

Emma explains why this initiative is needed:
“We know that 41% of social housing tenants in Wales don’t use the internet. That may be due to lack of support and confidence, worry about scams, lack of trust in online services or the financial costs of buying a device or a broadband connection.

“What this project aims to do is address some of those concerns and work with tenants to get them online and improve their access to vital services such as healthcare, job applications or for them to keep in touch with family and friends.”

The project is still in its infancy, and the team are out and about, meeting tenants and getting an idea of what help is required, as Hannah explains:
“The online access of the people we meet varies enormously. Some have absolutely no idea how to get connected, whilst some are online to a certain extent. For instance, they’re comfortable using a laptop to send an email or buy something online but struggle with using their phone for other tasks. Whatever they struggle with, we’ll try and help them succeed.”

One of the residents Emma was helping during our visit was Bryn. He said:
“I’m fairly comfortable using my laptop to get online, but I was having issues with my phone. I’ve just bought tickets to a concert in Cardiff and didn’t know how to download them to my phone so I could show them on the door to get in.

"Emma has now shown me how to download and use a digital wallet and how to safely store my tickets in there. I’m very grateful to her for her help.”

Also at the session was Sonia, who was receiving help from Hannah to access her e-mails. She said:
“I think this is a great initiative. So much stuff you do these days is online, so it’s important that we’re all as clued up as we can be. Hannah and Emma were lovely and so helpful, I’d encourage anyone who needs a bit of help to get in touch with them.”

Emma stressed that the scheme is open to anyone in a Tai Tarian household:
“Being connected is more important than ever. So many services are online these days, so if a tenant needs help with their banking, online applications or anything else then I’d encourage them to get in touch with us. Whatever their age or personal circumstances we are here to help them with their online needs.”

If you, or someone you know needs a bit of extra digital help, then give Hannah or Emma a call on 01639 506694 / 01639 506026