Secret Angels
Secret Angels is a small non-profit organisation based in Wolverhampton established in April 2021 to empower communities and transform lives by helping residents in deprived areas to tackle fuel and food poverty.
Secret Angels work in some of the most deprived communities in Wolverhampton and with some of the most socially excluded and hard to reach people to transform their lives and the communities in which they live. The volunteers at Secret Angels support people through a variety of projects such as walking for health, supplying emergency food and a clothes bank, a befriending service as well as digital inclusion and IT classes.
Over the age of 55 and not online? Secret Angels support people to get online and stay online offering personalised support to give confidence to people to develop their digital skills.
ecret Angels is part of the device lending scheme which lends Chromebooks and tablets to those who may not have devices at home. Do you know someone who could benefit from a laptop or tablet and being online, but doesn’t know where to start?
Contact our Digital Inclusion Officer, Rajiv Dhanjal on 07913 136307 or email info@secretangels.org.uk for further information.
Case Studies:
Digital Inclusion Supporting older people to use the internet and benefit from being online.
Kim said “OMG internet is a whole new world, if I can do it so can you. At first I had a real fear of ‘the internet’ and lacked confidence in being able to navigate. I’m so grateful for the 1:2:1 support with the laptop and training. I can now search anything, send emails, connect with family and still I’m learning and asking questions”.
Digital access for Children
People on low incomes without access to online services are affected by the poverty trap and end up paying more for basic goods and services. Digital inclusion has an impact on younger people. In education the increased use of digital platforms and computer-centred resources means there is a potential cost being shifted from schools to families. For young people in education with no (or limited) internet access at home it can mean difficulty completing school work.
Alice said “We have no internet access at home, no computer or tablet, just dad’s mobile phone to share. The chromebook will help me to access digital learning and online resources for the first time so I do not miss out on my school work from home”.
Using technology to tackle isolation amongst housebound
Access and use of digital devices and the internet are important for helping people who are housebound stay in touch with friends, learn new things, and access a wide range of entertainment. Digital participation can have an impact in minimising loneliness and depression. Having the ability to explore the internet or get comfortable with a computer or device at home can help with the development of digital skills.
Maria said “Due to my many medical conditions and being confined to the house I’ve been discovering how truly critical digital skills are. I am now able to manage information on the internet, it’s been a godsend. I have the ability to be in charge of things like my finances – rather than handing over to a relative who’s able to leave the house. I can also choose and purchase presents for those who’ve cared for me.”