As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Voluntary and Community sector groups across Stoke-on-Trent found the switch from face-to-face to online activities difficult to manage. They struggled to remain in contact with their teams and their beneficiaries. This has been for several reasons including lack of equipment, appropriate software, skills, support, or confidence with technology.
Because of that, many groups and organisations approached VAST for regular, ad-hoc, and intensive support to help them to continue to engage with and support their local communities. After a successful National Lottery Fund grant, Totally Stoked Digital was created to help address the digital exclusion these groups were facing and help close the digital gap.
Physical Digital Spaces
Totally Stoked Digital initially set up well-equipped physical IT spaces that are accessible to voluntary organisations, providing hardware, software, and effective connectivity for groups to run Zoom meetings and online activities.
Training
Partner organisations in Stoke-on-Trent provided crucial training and accessible tools and resources for VCSE groups in need of additional skills and education with digital technology to help reach group members remotely.
Volunteer Tech Buddies
Through the Stoke on Trent Together Covid-19 response, local volunteers offered their time to share their knowledge and support others with improving their digital skills. Volunteer Tech Buddies worked alongside partner organisations with digital skills and technical support.
These how-to videos were created to support VCSE groups: