Crossing the Digital Divide: Lindsey's story

Relying on paper

Before, Lindsey lacked digital skills and did not know how to work a computer.

She was hoping to have a laptop in the future - but with the cost of living increasing and being a single mum, she could not afford to buy one herself. Without a laptop, she was using her mobile phone and relied on paper - which took her "so long."

Thankfully, Lindsey had been connected to Riverside Learning and Education Centre in Liverpool since she was 15, so she had a place to go for support.

Receiving a device and learning digital skills

Through the hub, which is part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, she received a laptop from the National Device Bank. Now, Lindsey is able to complete tasks more efficiently.

She said: 

"I'd get overwhelmed with all of the writing I had to do, but once I got the device it was so much easier to type everything, save, and I could email it to my tutor, which was amazing - it helped me so much...You can expand on so many things. It opens you up to the world. It's been really great."

She also used our free digital skills platform Learn My Way, which helped her learn "how to do a CV, how to type quick, how to problem solve as well to do spreadsheets" - which she wasn't able to do before.

A life transformed thanks to digital support

Through the hub, Lindsey completed a Level 3 Teaching Assistant course - something she initially doubted she could achieve. Thanks to the support she received, Lindsey developed her confidence and gained the qualification. This led to full-time employment, transforming her professional life.

Lindsey said:

"I've actually grown up with the hub...and I'm still coming here...I owe them so much...Without the hub and their support, I wouldn't be in full time employment. I don't know where I would be...I'd probably not be doing the things I wanted to be because of barriers which have stopped me...It's really helped with my confidence...When I'm in work, if I need to use the computer to put something on for the children I know what to do but beforehand I wouldn't have known what to do, so I have learnt a lot from having the device."

Keeping family safe online

Lindsey's family have also benefitted from the device too - and she now knows how to keep her family safe online.

She added:

"...It's a family unit...I've learnt how to put child blocks on them and stuff so they're not watching certain things and I wasn't aware of things like that until I got my device...Having the laptop and the support has been a lifeline for me...It's beneffited all of us."