Virgin Media O2 Business expands 'Connect More' programme into Reading
Virgin Media O2 Business has announced that it is bringing its 'Connect More' programme to Reading to help close the digital skills gap in the area.
Reports from Frimley ICS System Insights show that approximately 18,800 people in Reading suffer from a high rate of digital inaccessibility. As part of Virgin Media O2 Business’ Connect More programme, volunteers from across the organisation are tackling this digital gap in collaboration with Reading Borough Council and ‘Get Online Reading’.
Lead Councillor for Education & Public Health at Reading Borough Council Cllr Ruth McEwan said: “Working with Virgin Media O2 Business and Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) is a great example of how the public and private sector can come together to support communities ensuring the digital world is accessible to everyone, particularly those communities who may not always have the same access or opportunities as others.
“The Council’s Public Health team is pleased to have collaborated with RVA and Virgin Media O2 Business’s community digital inclusion programme to support Reading residents and diverse communities facing digital exclusion.”
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Connect More supports Virgin Media O2 Business's ambition to digitally upskill 6 million people across the nation by 2025.
The Reading Connect More operation has seen 20 Reading-based Virgin Media O2 Business employees having completed digital training through social enterprise Digital Unite to date. These 20 team-members have helped 76 Reading residents so far through the ongoing programme.
Virgin Media O2 Business employee and Connect More Reading volunteer Kiki Zhang said: “It is a truly wonderful experience to be a part of the volunteering team. Seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of the women we have worked with made me realise how fortunate we are to have access to these IT skills and tools, and how many people are still unaware of the benefits they can provide. It is incredibly fulfilling to help bridge that gap and empower these women to enhance their lives with technology”.
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