Tea & Tech

Addressing the Digital Divide in North Somerset with Audley Redwood, Failand resident, and Sarah Friend, WERN Village Agent. Facilitated by Community Development Officer, Tina Huckle-Mills, Tea & Tech’s Project Lead. Further details of this innovative project, funded by the UK Government Community Renewal Fund, can be found below.

Community Development for Older People in Woodspring

An Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach

An exciting new project is now underway covering the Woodspring area of North Somerset. The project, funded by St Monica Trust, is part of the wider Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group programme which includes six Community Development Officers based across the area.

Tina Huckle-Mills, Community Development Officer, delivering the project for WERN and who is passionate about people, communities and the positive effects that an ABCD approach can have.

“An asset based approach to community development is about putting communities in the lead. It is about empowering and enabling people to make decisions that affect them and their wellbeing - building communities from the inside out, not just with new initiatives but by supporting the positives and gains achieved so far.”

Addressing the Digital Divide in North Somerset

The West of England Rural Network (WERN), Community Development Officer for older people in Woodspring, Tina Huckle-Mills, is spearheading part of North Somerset’s Digital Divide with Tea & Tech sessions across a mix of thirteen rural and urban community venues. The project is part of WERN’s Asset Based Community Development approach, currently funded by St Monica Trust (2021 - 2024).

The main objective of the Tea & Tech sessions is to connect people to technology, be that via a smart phone, a tablet or laptop, with basic verbal and written instruction alongside practical experience. During the pandemic the digital divide was highlighted for many people as they became socially isolated, unable to connect with family and friends over the internet or do online shopping, order prescriptions and attend virtual GP/Hospital appointments via digital means. The willingness of communities to take up the challenge of addressing these issues has been remarkable and the benefits great, but not only that, there is the opportunity to connect with others over tea and cake adding that all-important social aspect to the sessions. As well as individuals benefiting from attending the sessions, volunteers have come forward, partnership working has flourished, and community assets are being used once again. WERN are currently working in partnership with Alive Activities to deliver these sessions as well as Parish Councils, Village Halls & Hubs, Community Buildings and engaging with Social Prescribers & other partners, ensuring these sessions are community led and sustainable.

This initiative is now part of the wider North Somerset Community Renewal Fund and played an important part in securing the funding around the Digital Divide in north Somerset.

**Tea & Tech at Banwell Youth & Community Centre** - with WERN’s CDO Tina Huckle-Mills, Alive Activities Ken Luxon & Liz Shayler, Parish Clerk to Banwell Parish Council

**Portishead Tea & Tech - In partnership with Portishead Town Council & Alive Activities**

**Winford Tea & Tech - In partnership with Winford Village Hall & Alive Activities**

Celebrating Community Development Initiatives across North Somerset (Woodspring)

WERN are proud to have been involved with Sing for Fun right from its conception, alongside Churchill Music & MVMP. The group continues to meet every Friday afternoon and as you will see from watching the video…the benefits to physical and mental wellbeing are profound. The group is a real community in itself, supporting one another and fostering long term friendships, proving that Singing is fun!

Venue - St Marys Church, Langford

Time - Every Friday 1.30 - 2.30

Refreshments are served at the end of the session.

Transport is available if needed.