BT and rehab charity CAIS helping people get online in Wrexham

Hundreds of people with experience of mental health and substance misuse conditions have received help to get online thanks to a partnership between rehab and recovery charity CAIS and communications group BT.

More than 400 people across the region have had face-to-face training to access web-based services and keep themselves safe on the internet over the last three years.

CAIS is working with BT to provide training for people who are vulnerable, marginalised and digitally-excluded, including participants in its Structured Recovery Programme.

The newly-expanded initiative helps those with experience of substance misuse sustain their recoveries and enhance their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Since BT launched its Skills for Tomorrow campaign in October, more than 70 participants have had access to face-to-face training from CAIS – learning how to use tablets, and about digital responsibility, productivity, creativity and security.

Since 2017, financial support from the firm has allowed CAIS to purchase of a number of devices for participants to use, and supported the delivery of sessions in Wrexham and Colwyn Bay.

The charity’s learning and development manager Ros Cameron said online skills were increasingly important in accessing benefits, the jobs market and support services.

“Many of the people we work with are amongst the most digitally-excluded individuals in our society – and really benefit from the enhanced connectivity and opportunities provided by getting online,” she said.

“Being internet savvy is increasingly important in our lives, so it has been wonderful it work alongside BT to provide the skills and training our clients need.”

BT’s Skills for Tomorrow campaign aims to address the UK’s digital skills gap, and to help people acquire essential digital knowhow.

It warns that the failure to do so risks widening inequalities and negative impacts on the wider local and national economy.

Nick Speed, BT Group’s director in Wales, visited a class taking place at Champions’ House in Wrexham and said it was great to see the firm’s free online courses being used by programme participants.

“We know that, across the UK, there are now millions of people who lack the essential digital skills they need to work and thrive in life – that’s contributing to making social divides wider and impacting our economy,” he said.

“Digital and online skills are now more important than ever, particularly with NHS and local council services increasingly moving online. Being able to use a computer effectively and use the internet safely can make a big difference to people’s general wellbeing.

“It was good to see the great work that CAIS is doing supporting people who are having problems with addictions, mental health, personal development and employment.

“We’re pleased to be able to support this work through our Skills for Tomorrow campaign. It’s delivering in communities across Wales and available to all online.”

The CAIS Structured Recovery Programme is funded by the North Wales Area Planning Board for Substance Misuse, and is open to anyone in North Wales aged 18 or over.

Participants learn new life skills, access a range of accredited qualifications and are supported through mutual aid approaches. They also take part in peer learning, and can try a range of other fun and rewarding activities.

For more information about the programme, please visit www.cais.co.uk/srp or call 0345 06 121 12.

More information about BT’s Skills for Tomorrow programme – including online course and resources – is available here.