Digital Inclusion
Digital Buddies
Get confident with technology - at your own pace, with friendly one-to-one support. Whether you're a complete beginner or a more advanced user, you'll find a welcoming community ready to assist you on your digital journey. Phones, tablets, laptops.... whatever you need help with, we have got you!
Every Friday 1:00pm-3:00pm
Free Session
Arcadia Library
Why Digital Buddies exist?
When Covid-19 hit, the world moved online almost overnight. GP appointments, banking, benefits, shopping, staying in touch with family; suddenly everything required a device and a connection. The world changed, and it didn't wait for everyone to catch up. For millions of older people across the UK, that shift was devastating. The numbers speak for themselves:
1 in 3
over-65s in the UK lack the basic skills to use the internet successfully.
2.3M
older people don't use the internet at all — locked out of everyday life.
4M
older people say poor IT skills are preventing them from going online
2.9M
older people don't go online because they don't trust it and nobody has helped them feel safe
Paul Belfield
Project Manager
"Covid was a devastatingly isolating time for all, but for none more than Older People. Being locked out of connecting with family and friends older peoples health decline rapidly. That is why we wanted to help get people connected, to the internet, to technology and back to their families. We easily forget how difficult technology can be to use, because we grew up with technology, but for those who are now less able, older and with limited funds, older people cannot grasp this technology as easily as younger generations can. Connection is most important to older people. As services shifted to online-only, older people lost that connection. And we vowed to help bring that connection back in any way we can. This is why the Digital Buddies exist."
The story behind Digital Buddies
About this group:
Technology shouldn't feel scary or complicated. Digital Buddies is a relaxed, friendly space where you can get help with absolutely anything digital; from sending a WhatsApp message to your grandchildren, to booking a GP appointment online. No question is too small. No problem is too big.
You don't need to live in Levenshulme to come along. We have members joining us from Gorton, Longsight, Reddish, Stockport and all across Greater Manchester. If you're aged 50+ and want help with technology, the door is open for you.
Support provided:
42%
💻 Internet, computers & fixing problems
9.4%
🔒 Staying safe online — scams & banking
24%
📱 Phone & mobile set-up
6.3%
💬 WhatsApp, Facebook & keeping in touch
10.9%
🏥 Health & NHS access
5.5%
📚 Building digital confidence
9.4%
📱Accessibility & other
Meet Mark
Digital buddies facilitator
Mark leads our Digital Buddies sessions every Friday with patience, warmth and a genuine passion for helping people feel more confident with technology. Whether you're a complete beginner or just need help with one specific thing, Mark and our team of volunteers will work with you at your own pace... no rushing, no jargon, just friendly practical help.
"So much of our lives are on-line now, be it shopping, paying bills, benefit applications, banking or health appointments and a multitude of apps. The older generation are having to learn these skills to get by. We facilitate this in a friendly and non-judgmental way. If you don't know, just ask and we'll help."
What members say:
"I tried many classes in the past, but they never worked for me. I was then sent to a local library, but this was not helpful either as there were 15 people and one worker who sat us down in front of a computer and told us to follow the on-screen course. That's when i found the Taskforce, there is always someone there to help you with what you want to learn, not what someone else thinks you need to know!"
- Member D.L
"At 59, I couldn't find work. I was told to improve my computer skills but i couldn't afford the lessons. My previous employer terminated me because my typing speed was too slow. This was a job I had for over 20 years before they introduced digital systems. When I found the Taskforce they started straight away and helped me improve my typing words per minute. They also helped teach me Excel and word too! Now, I am back in employment as a administrative assistant and I have Taskforce to thank for this!"
-Member J.Z
