These are available to anyone who is interested in improving their digital skills.

The sessions are delivered by Coventry Adult Education Service Tutors and supported by EnV Digital Champions, the digital drop-ins are tailored to meet the needs of each individual that comes in, meaning that every digital drop-in session is different. From setting up repeat prescriptions with the NHS app to online shopping, the sessions aim to be a personal one-to-one style approach to help people get more acquainted with the digital world.

A conversation with one of our EnV Digital Champions Bill found that the informal and relaxed approach to the session allowed for people to attend without feeling intimidated. Some people might just want to know the answer to a specific query like “how do I buy something online?” There are no expectations at the drop-ins at Watch, therefore people can feel at ease knowing they will be guided in a personal and friendly way.

Not having a firm grasp on the digital side of things can often leave people feeling isolated but having these regular drop-in sessions helps people connect in a way that they wouldn’t have been able to do on their own. There is a real social element at the digital drop-in sessions and to have this in tandem with learning new digital skills means it’s a good experience for all involved.

One of the things people can learn at a digital drop-in session is how to make use of technology to translate information on screen into a different language. Residents are shown smartphone apps that let you translate text by taking a picture of the information you wish to be translated.

The digital drop-in sessions are acting as enablers to encourage people to access the digital world, and as a result of this they’re achieving so many digital milestones that can directly contribute to having a higher quality of life.

Digital drop-in sessions take place at the WATCH Centre, 12 Victoria Street, CV1 5LZ.

Next term’s sessions start on Monday 17 April 10am-12noon running every week through until the end of June (please note these are term-time only and sessions will not run-on bank holidays).

To find out more about the support and services available at the WATCH Centre, visit www.watchcharity.org.uk.

By Ramona McGarry, Digital Inclusion Apprentice