Crossing the Digital Divide: Irene and Linda's story

Irene and Linda are cousins, but also best friends.

They both go to a digital inclusion hub in Liverpool - Riverside Learning and Education Centre.

Linda said:

"When I first came here, I had no skills whatsoever. I was very nervous and thought I won't be able to do this."

One of the members of the hub, which is part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, asked Linda if she would like to "come and learn how to use a computer."

Linda continued:

"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."

As well as developing their digital skills, Irene and Linda, were also provided with a laptop from the National Device Bank and data from the National Databank.

Irene said:

"I've had an education. I've got skills now. I never thought I'd learn to use a computer. I never thought I'd have an email address and it's helped me with my phone, because I know what I'm doing properly on my phone now. And when you ask family, they show you it once and think, you know it, but you don't always know it straight away."

The hub has also provided a social space for both Irene and Linda.

Linda commented:

"You're learning to talk to other people as well, because I found that I was very isolated at one time. But I'm not now."

Irene added:

"Coming here, it's the company...It's a little family in a big world if you know what I mean."