Voluntary Action Epping Forest (VAEF) has launched a community service which aims to help reduce digital inequality in Epping Forest.  

The “Power UP!” programme will provide support for people facing difficulties with online access, offering digital skills support, donated hardware devices and Wi-Fi data.

The programme - being delivered in partnership with Epping Forest District Council - will see digital skills workshops, 1-2-1 walk-in support surgeries and digital home support being run across the district.

Sessions will be run at different rotating venues in the district.  There will also be a constant digital support drop in surgery at EFDC Civic Hub on Thursday mornings from 9.30am-12.30pm.

VAEF community response hub manager, Nick Robinson said, “Digital access and navigation now permeates every area of our lives; from being able to pay to park a car, to completing mandatory online forms and communicating with companies and organisations.

"There is a danger that some people are becoming more excluded in day-to-day life by social and economic barriers to digital access and capability. The Power UP! programme is providing a local community response to address this reality”.

In 2019, a Digital Inclusion report commissioned by Epping Forest District Council found that around 21,000 adults living in the district (16%) had never used the internet, or not used it in the past three months.

For more information about the Power UP! programme visit: powerupepping.co.uk.  A full list of activities can also be found on: X and Instagram: @powerupepping 

The programme is also looking for ‘digital champion’ volunteers, to help those in their community who lack digital skills and confidence.