Through Connecting Cambridgeshire’s Digital Inclusion workstream, we work with partners like Cambridgeshire ACRE to provide practical support in local hubs
This story first appeared on the Cambridgeshire ACRE website on 6 November 2025
Three volunteers at Haddenham Social Hub have recently stepped forward to become Digital Champions. The hub opens four mornings a week and has around 100 visitors per week. At least one of the volunteers is available at each session to offer support on digital matters and a laptop provided by the partnership between Connecting Cambridgeshire and Cambridgeshire ACRE.
They have promoted the free service via a display in the hub, (including photos of the three Digital Champions), social media and posters in the community.
Volunteer Robin told Cambridgeshire ACRE: “Initially, we held informal ‘cuppas and conversations’ with visitors to establish digital devices, needs and skills. Most seem to have access to a smart phone, but many only use these for phone calls and texts”.
Topics that emerged in conversations included:
- being able to make health appointments
- ability to do on-line supermarket shopping
- applying for Government funding allowances
- making travel arrangements
- making visual contact with loved ones
- sorting out/setting up new devices
During the 2025 ‘Get Online Week’, they took the opportunity to promote the ‘Learn My Way’ platform which allows people to access free learning on digital skills independently and get follow up support from them.
They were also very fortunate during ‘Get Online Week’ to receive the active support of a local resident who owns a successful IT and Media support business. He joined them for over two hours and gave active technical support on issues such as setting up a new laptop and resolving a poorly performing smart phone.
Going forward, the Champions are watching out for common themes that emerge and plan to offer topic sessions for small groups. As an example, the village’s butcher shop has moved to online orders only and they are supporting their visitors with this and intend to run a group session on online shopping.
We can’t wait to hear about their progress.
