The Digital Brighton & Hove project provides innovative solutions and services for digitally excluded people across the city. Through cross-sector partnership work, they’re building a network of trained Digital Champions in local communities to support service users, staff and volunteers with their digital transformation journeys. DBH is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council and until 2019 was also funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (through the One Digital programme).
Giorgio, a local resident from Evelyn Court, has been getting monthly one-to-one support at a digital gadget drop-in run by Digital Brighton & Hove. During these sessions, he has learnt how to use Facebook, YouTube, shop online, as well as finding out about online safety.
Giorgio has now bought himself a new smartphone that has a larger screen, as he is starting to do a lot more online.
One of the things he is most proud of doing with his new skills is finding his brother, Lorenzo, who he had not seen for 15 years. He did this by searching for his brother using Facebook. After such a time apart, he was overjoyed to re-establish contact with him. He said: “You’d be surprised what you can do and find online…it was amazing to find my brother after so many years!”
His brother visited England shortly after they reconnected online to celebrate Giorgio’s birthday. They now exchange pictures of their lives using the internet and arrange regular web chats.
Digital Brighton & Hove is a partnership which helps people of all ages to feel more confident using the internet. If you would like to improve your digital skills, email digitalbh@citizensonline.org.uk or call 07475 946 084.
