Museum collections, Supreme Court decisions and app developers all formed part of the discussion at the Go ON North West Partnership summer meeting last week.
It rained in Liverpool
The TUC hosts offered a warm welcome to all those in attendance. Veterans of the national initiative into tackling digital exclusion were outnumbered by first timers at the forum. The discussions that ensued throughout the day, however, struck a satisfying chord for everyone.
Lynn Collins touched on several issues including the development of the role of the Union Rep in the advancement and support of learning in the workplace. Further insight from Laura Robertson Collins included the extent to which the engagement of politicians within Local Authorities is often overlooked from a delivery perspective; something that could offer much needed support.
Remember this
National Museums Liverpool focus on dementia patients was practically illustrated by Dawn Carroll. This part of the morning included a hands-on trial of the successful app; part of the award winning My House of Memories.
The forum’s Success Stories standing item offered all 18 people from 14 orgs and 7 sectors; from across Merseyside, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, to showcase their digitally-inclusive-awesomeness which feeling at ease to share any issues and concerns with colleagues; SMEs, Local Councils, Banks, Trade Unions, Blue Light Services, Charities, etc. This public/private sector open forum is where much of the magic happens!
Coding in the face of adversity
The ins-and-outs of Liverpool City Councils next generation adult care arsenal was presented by Ann Williams. Aside from some of the bespoke technology that could easily be from a Sci-fi film in a cinema near you, there remains huge significance on the complex interfaces between NHS Trusts, Pharmacies and Care Homes, among other stakeholders, the effectiveness of which makes inclusion, digital or otherwise, possible.
Too young to need help?
Attendees were also treated to a sneak preview of the Citizens Advice Liverpool App set to be launched in September 2017. Tessa and Steve from the newly formed city-wide advice service swiftly navigated the forum through over 70 years of inclusion, from when the first bureau opened its doors in Garston to how Snapchat and other social media apps are being harnessed to reach students and young people traditionally unaware of the support available to them.
Until next time
Notes of all the discussions, presentation slides and the attendee list will be shared with partnership members. It is free to join the Go ON NW Partnership, all you need is to stand with us against digital exclusion and work with us on getter better at digital inclusion.
Join us at the Autumn meeting in Wigan this September!