Rural’s Digital Connections Project

Rural Housing’s Digital Connections Project, funded through The National Lottery Community Fund, provides regular online sessions for tenant panel members, including the provision of iPads for those tenants previously unable to access digital devices.  The project encourages relationship building by supporting the development of social connections, whilst also working with tenants to improve their digital skills.  This online project provides a safe virtual platform to facilitate tenant empowerment amongst rural residents who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The project provides regular online sessions where tenants can socialise, helping reduce the impact of social isolation, participate in skills development training, as well as providing an online think tank where tenants can voice their concerns on issues impacting them and their communities during COVID-19 and beyond.

The Digital Connections project has been hugely beneficial to both staff and tenants.  To date 20 iPads have been allocated to tenant panel members through the project, ensuring tenants have access to digital technology which enables them to participate in virtual sessions focusing on tenant empowerment and relationship building.

As part of the project Rural Housing have been working in partnership with Ignite IT to manage the security and safety of tenants online including working with tenants to safely set up iPads, email accounts, zoom accounts etc. Over the coming months Ignite IT will also deliver a range of training sessions requested by tenants such as shopping safely online, avoiding scams, using apps safely and keeping your iPad/ tablet secure.

Martina Cranny, Housing Manager commented “Rural Housing Association are delighted to work alongside Ignite IT to deliver this online project connecting our rural residents.  Access to digital technology has never been more important than during the pandemic.  We would like to extend our thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting this project, which has been hugely beneficial for our tenants.”