Making Connections: Sharing IT Skills in Whipton

By Jemima Moore (Whipton Community Builder)

In my role as a Community Builder, I regularly meet people who struggle to access things online due to a lack of confidence or digital skills. With so many services now online, being digitally disconnected can have a significant impact on everyday life, from accessing essential services to staying in touch with family and friends. 

At one of our community groups, I met a lady who asked whether I might know someone who could help her with IT. She shared how difficult she found accessing things online, and how frustrating it felt to keep coming up against barriers.  

I put a request out on Facebook, and a really wonderful man called James came forward. James not only volunteered to meet with the lady who made the original request and support her with her IT needs, but also to help more broadly. I met James, along with his lovely son Ralphie, and we talked about how his skills could support others in the community. 

From that conversation, a new idea took shape. James has very kindly volunteered to run an IT support drop-in on the second Friday of each month at St Katherine’s Priory. I shared this with the community and have since heard from many people who are keen to come along, all with different needs but a shared desire to feel more confident and capable online. 

What feels especially important about this story is that it is not only about digital connection, but about people connecting with one another. Someone had a need, someone else had the skills, and by bringing them together, something positive and practical has been created. 

This is a simple example of how communities can support one another when space is created for people to step forward, share their skills, and help others feel more connected.