Crossing the Digital Divide: Phillip's story

Feeling left behind in the digital world

Phillip describes himself as "old school." His wife was the "internet guru." But after she passed away, he realised he should have learnt about technology in the past.

Connecting with others affected by cancer

Phillip was told by a friend at church about Help Harry Help Others.

At the centre, he has been able to connect with others affected by cancer. But, he has also been able to develop his digital skills through sessions ran by National Digital Inclusion Network hub, Smartlyte - Get Families Talking.

Now, Phillip has had the opportunity to learn to live his life in the modern IT world.

Developing AI skills

Through the sessions, Phillip has been able to learn about AI tools, such as ChatGPT - which he didn't know about before.

He said: 

"...It's been very beneficial....It cuts time and it's so easy to use...I've learnt how to look up and find out things. It's sort of broadened my horizons...I've made a note on my computer now to use ChatGPT whenever I can..."

Phillip added:

"The way things are at the moment, it's very difficult to differentiate between real and imitation...I think everybody should have to go through some kind of training to differentiate between what is real and what is not real..."

Learning digital skills with friends

Without the support, Phillip said he would be "struggling" with technology and relying on his loved ones.

Phillip added:

"Places like this are vital I think to people, especially older poeple, to live thier lives the best way they can...I've made so many friends and learnt so much that I can't fault it...I know I've got to learn it and this is an ideal way of doing it, with friends...It's so much easier to learn when you're learning with other people who are in the same situation as you or the same level...It's become a social gathering as well now, so it's part and parcel of my daily life really."