Crossing the Digital Divide: Irene and Linda's story

Finding support at a digital inclusion hub

Irene and Linda grew up in Liverpool and have always been close - that's because as well as being cousins they're also best friends.

Before Linda didn't have the internet at home and had never used a laptop. Linda even thought she was technophobic, as she didn't like turning the television over with the remote. She also felt isolated and Irene didn't realise she was lonely too.

Then one day, Linda needed help with fuel and found Riverside Learning and Education Centre, a digital inclusion hub in the National Digital Inclusion Network. Linda inisited Irene came with her - but Irene was nervous.

Irene said:

"I was totally against it because I didn't think I could learn anything. I didn't get anywhere very much...I answered the phone and I didn't go into detail on my phone, so I was just a bit skeptical about myself.

Learning digital skills with Learn My Way

While there, Mark, one of the hub members of staff, asked if Linda would like to "come and learn how to use a computer?" However, Linda lacked confidence. She thought she wouldn't be able to do it as she "had no skills whatsoever."

"...But he put me at ease and he sat me down. He said 'Right, you can't break anything. So don't worry' and put me on Learn My Way and that was the start of my digital experience."

Irene also used Learn My Way, our free digital skills platform and gradually "something clicked" for Linda. They have advanced their skills further by using artificial intelligence (AI).

Unlocking opportunities with a device and data

As well as developing their digital skills, the pair received a device from the National Device Bank and data from the National Databank - which unlocked even more opportunities to connect and explore.

Now, Irene can send emails to her family and Linda can keep in touch with loved ones who live in New Zealand. She's also been able to learn Spanish online with Duolingo and Irene can explore her interest in history.

Linda said:

"It was everything...If I hadn't of come here I wouldn't have been able to apart from letters...I wouldn't be afraid to do family history now, where at one time I'd have thought 'I can't do it.' But now I'll have a go at anything...We've done what we want to do and Mark's allowed us to do that."

Connecting in the real world at their "club"

Though they live apart, together the pair have a place they now call "our club." When they come to the centre, Linda and Irene have a cup of tea and watch the news on the computer before they "start work", meaning they can keep up-to-date with what's happening in the world. The hub has also provided a space for Irene and Linda to connect with others, support their community and encourage others to join them too.

Irene said:

"I learn something new everyday. If it's something to do with computer work I learn that everyday...I'm coming to the club and learn a little more each time. You're never too old to learn...I'm so glad I came...Coming here, it's the company...It's a little family in a big world if you know what I mean."

Now with a circle of friends close to them on their doorstep and a connection to the online world, they both go home feeling happy.