A new Digital Café at the Oxford Westgate Library aims to help more people to access online health services, in particular the NHS App.
The Digital Café is hosted on the first Monday of every month (2pm-4pm), and allows people who are struggling with, or are unfamiliar with, technology to find help and support with using their mobile, laptop or tablet.
The initiative offers people free informal, one to one support around basic digital skills, with access to digital devices and the internet. It encourages and teaches people how to easily use digital technology as part of their everyday life.
The launch of this Digital Café is a collaboration between NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), Oxfordshire County Council, and Oxford City Council.
Comment
“The Digital Café is free to attend and aimed at anyone who is struggling to use a mobile phone, laptop or tablet. The Council is very aware that there are large numbers of Oxford residents who are digitally disadvantaged but want to learn how to use online and mobile services. They will find these free sessions friendly and informal and very useful. With so many services going digital in terms of access, I would encourage people to drop in. The Council really wants to see the city’s digital divide reduced so everyone can take advantage that access to new technology can bring”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Oxford City Council Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
“It’s important that in the digital world, we do not leave people behind. Libraries play a vital role in making online services more accessible, so I welcome this new initiative and encourage those who feel they may need some help, to come along.
“The library is a great digital resource in itself. There is free access to, and support with, IT at every library in the county – as well as free Wi-Fi provision, and fantastic, free, digital content for everyone to access through their library membership at their local library or on their phone or tablet, 24/7.”
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services
“Digital Cafes aim to give people the confidence and skills to use digital devices such as smart phones and the NHS App so they can access health advice and support promptly. We want to break down barriers around digital technology so there is more of a level playing field for people of all ages and from different communities using this technology.
“People find the app very easy to use once I talk them through it. Some people assume all those over a certain age cannot use digital technology; but many of the patients I work with already use apps and appreciate how the NHS App makes it easier to access high quality online care when they need it such as ordering repeat prescriptions and manage hospital appointments.”
Marta Fischer, Digital Access Lead for BOB ICB who is also an NHS App ambassador
Marta also leads training sessions on the NHS App.
The Digital Café initiative, commissioned by BOB ICB, is a social enterprise project and is run in existing spaces and resources with no additional costs to the NHS or local authorities. There are currently 11 Digital Cafés located in libraries, GP practices, a care home and a leisure centre across BOB ICB. People do not need to reserve a place and can turn up, depending on availability. Find the location of all 11 Digital Cafés across BOB ICB. The Digital Café initiative also form part of NHS England’s programme ‘The National Health Literacy Partnership’ being rolled out in October 2024 across the country to help more people access online health services and use the NHS App – more information on the England NHS website.
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