Blackpool Carers Centre receives digital training cash

Blackpool Carers Centre has been awarded £6,948 to help young adult carers improve their digital skills.

The finance comes from the Carers Trust as part of Nominet Trust’s Digital Reach programme, which aims to increase digital skills amongst some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people.

Young adult carers will be supported to access an e-learning resource to help improve their digital skills, so that they feel more confident in their caring role, in their educational environment or their workplace.

According to the 2017 Basic Digital Skills reportt, despite an overall increase in the number of UK adults who have gained basic digital skills, at least 3 per cent (around 300,000) of those aged 15-24 are still being left behind.

This funding will enable Blackpool Carers Centre to assist Young Adult Carers in the use of digital technology. Being able to purchase shopping online or accessing online banking might relieve the pressures associated with caring for another person. Also the extra support from workers will help Young Adult Carers with CV writing or applying for jobs.

Faye Atherton, head of services for Blackpool Carers Centre, said: “Digital technology is an essential aspect of modern life, and thanks to Nominet Trust’s funding, more than 65 young adult carers from Blackpool will now be able to gain invaluable new digital skills.

“Carers Trust research shows that young adult carers miss out on education and social activities due to the demands of their caring roles. “This new funding will help us to reach young adult carers who would not normally have this opportunity, helping them gain invaluable new life skills to thrive in their futures.”