Crossing the digital divide: Christine's story

Frustrated with digital

Christine was feeling frustrated and left behind. Although she had the desire and tools to get online, she lacked the digital skills and confidence to fully take on everyday tasks like shopping online or managing her money digitally.

Christine was cancelling orders out of fear of being scammed and avoiding trying things in case she got something wrong.

She said:

"I went around in circles. If I wanted to buy something but then changed my mind I could never figure out how to get away from that page and it used to worry me...I was able to cancel the orders, but it was difficult."

Christine knew she needed some extra support to make sure she was doing things right and keeping herself safe online.  

A turning point

Things changed after Christine helped to set up a social group to encourage local people to get together and meet. It soon became clear she wasn't the only one struggling with digital.

She spoke to National Digital Inclusion Network hub Starting Point, who were based close to the group. The organisation began coming to the group's weekly meetups and delivering sessions around digital.

In these sessions, Christine was introduced to Learn My Way. With the help of our free learning platform and the digital skills sessions, over time her confidence grew.

Confidence with online banking and shopping

Now, Christine's more confident using her mobile phone and tablet device. Not only does she have more access to technology, she's got the digital skills to shop and save money online.

As she manages the community group's finances, it was important for her to be able to bank online - she's now able to transfer money, check balances and pay credit card bills.

Christine added:

"I did some online shopping for Black Friday and I got a great deal with car rescue cover as we wanted to go on a trip to London in our 25 year old car!"

Aware of scams and artificial intelligence

Although Christine is still wary about other websites and worried about how fast things change, she's much more aware of scams.

She said:

"...I feel like I can spot when something isn't quite right. Being safe online is really important to me as I want to try and avoid being scammed, and I think I am quite good at spotting the signs now...If something doesn't seem right to me, I just won't do it..."

Christine still attends the digital skills sessions, so she can keep on learning. Recently, she learnt about AI, with the help of the AI Gateway. Going forward, she knows she can reach out to Starting Point for further help with digital.