Salford City Council say's that it is proud to announce the launch of 'Digital Help Finder,' an innovative digital inclusion tool designed to empower residents with accessible digital resources and support to navigate the digital landscape effectively. A recent survey of 200 Salford residents showed that 88% wanted to acquire digital skills, but 51% needed help knowing where to start. With 'Digital Help Finder,' Salford residents gain easy access to comprehensive local and national directories of digital resources, training programs, and support services. The tool highlights resources available to a user based on their answers to a set of triage questions and their location. From basic digital skill modules to support with devices and connectivity, the platform offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies their journey towards digital literacy. It is also a powerful tool for organisations and services working with residents, as they can now easily help someone find the right resource for their digital needs. During Digital Help Finder's soft launch, frontline council staff found that using the tool was over 60% quicker than manually searching for resources online. The council has pioneered digital inclusion for about a decade with its Digital Everyone programme. Over the years, it has helped more than 45,000 residents get online. It has also provided 200 refurbished laptops to children in care that would have been previously disposed of. And it has built a Digital Network of 83 organisations spanning industries across Salford that come together to promote digital inclusion. Based on this impressive body of work, Salford City Council was chosen as the lead partner in the beta phase of developing and implementing the Local Government Association's (LGA) Digital Inclusion Triage Tool, which is branded 'Digital Help Finder' in Salford. The council are working with Mortar, who developed the 'Digital Help Finder' tool with backing from the LGA. Over the past year, this work will lay the blueprint for other local authorities to build on. George Unsworth, the Director of Mortar, said: "Salford City Council, as lead partner in the development of the Digital Inclusion Triage Tool, has brought a wealth of expertise, experience and passion into the design of the tool, enhancing its ability to reach excluded residents with digital support. Salford's hard work helping us design their Digital Help Finder is now benefiting our partners in designing their local digital inclusion initiatives and their local implementations of the Digital Inclusion Triage Tool." Councillor Jack Youd, Lead Member for Finance, Support Services, and Industrial Relations, said: "As a council that has been at the forefront of digital innovation in the region, our vision is to create a digitally inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. We are taking significant strides towards realising this vision by leveraging technology and collaboration. "The launch of 'Digital Help Finder' is the next step in Salford City Council's journey of creating a better and fairer Salford that is inclusive and digitally empowered. By providing accessible tools and resources, the council aims to empower individuals to participate fully in the digital economy and engage meaningfully in the digital world." Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Salford City Council drives positive change and lays the foundation for a more inclusive and connected future. For more information about 'Digital Help Finder' and Salford City Council's digital inclusion initiatives, please visit https://digitalinclusion.salford.gov.uk.
