North Bristol Advice Centre (NBAC)’s popular digital outreach service is being expanded across North Bristol, following the success of a pilot project last year. Bristol Tea and Tech drop-ins, held in community spaces across North Bristol, offer support to older people to develop digital skills and confidence to get connected, and do what matters to them online.
“We are really pleased to be continuing this work for another two years,” says Katherine Tanko, Director of North Bristol Advice Centre. ”We want to build on what we learned delivering the pilot, and continue to try new settings to reach even more people.”
The Bristol Tea and Tech pilot project ran for eight months in 2023, delivering 46 sessions in 8 locations. Over 200 people benefitted with 63 receiving one-to-one support. Monitoring showed positive outcomes for all participants on a range of measures, from digital skills to feeling connected to their community. The team will be returning to Sea Mills and Henleaze to continue biweekly drop-ins, plus six-week trials in Shirehampton, Avonmouth, Bristol Methodist Centre and Bristol Refugee Rights from mid-March. Another four locations will be confirmed in September. NBAC’s weekly digital drop-in in Lockleaze continues to run every Tuesday morning, from 10am to 12.30pm.
The sessions are suitable for beginners, and those with experience who want to update their skills. Volunteers will be on hand to help people to get online and address concerns about safety and security. People can bring their own smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or use one of NBAC's. The service is free –and includes a cuppa and a chat. Bristol Tea and Tech is funded by St Monica Trust’s Digital Inclusion Fund.
For more information, contact Nicola on nicola@northbristoladvice.org.uk or 07936 943583. If you have a few hours to spare and are interested in volunteering, please get in touch.
North Bristol Advice Centre is a neighbourhood advice centre based in Lockleaze, North Bristol. Founded in 1984, it provides free and independent advice and support in North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, specialising in welfare benefits and debt advice, and digital inclusion work. NBAC has the AQS Quality Mark and supports 2000 each year. www.northbristoladvice.org.uk
