Some people and groups are not getting the help they need. This often happens because they can't use digital technology well or can't access support and services easily. The UK government says there are four main reasons for this:
- Access: Being able to connect to the internet
- Skills: Knowing how to use online services
- Confidence: Trusting digital services and knowing where to start
- Motivation: Understanding why the internet is useful
Many things can make it hard for people to use digital services. These include not being able to afford technology such as mobile phones or laptops, being older, having trouble reading, worrying about privacy, having a disability, or not trusting computers. In Somerset, we have the additional complication of internet connections being impacted where people live in very rural areas.
Different people might face several of these challenges at once. Somerset ICS will work to help people who struggle with digital technology. We'll try to give them a chance to use these services or find other ways to help them. This way, everyone can get the care they need, whether they use technology or not.