Bridging Our Digital Divide
Keep checking this page for any future workshops! We would love for you to join us.
Together, we can bridge the digital divide
— one connection at a time 
Bridging our Digital Divide
Our HFWI Bridging our Digital Divide workshops, took place at Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead, AL4 8AY in conjunction with Computer Friendly in February, March and April.
Digital Skills Workshops for WI Members
These first three sessions had been designed for WI members who wished to build their confidence, refresh essential skills, and strengthen their understanding of core Windows PC tasks and online communication. The workshops had followed a progressive learning pathway, and members had been encouraged to book all three sessions together to gain the fullest benefit.
The programme had been developed in response to a growing concern about the digital divide within our membership. Based on a grant received from the Denman Grant Trust Award, HFWI had decided to take proactive steps to support members who were unable to access technology as confidently as others. The grant had enabled us to create a structured learning opportunity that aimed to make digital skills more accessible, reduce barriers, and ensure that all members could participate fully in online WI activities.
We had also been pleased to have used our newly set‑up HFWI laptops throughout the workshops. Their introduction had allowed members to learn in a consistent, supportive environment without needing to bring their own devices, further helping to level the playing field for those with limited access to technology.
Become a Digital Champion!
We are calling on tech-savvy members across Hertfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes (HFWI) who can empower others by sharing digital skills, fostering confidence, and helping bridge the digital divide within our WI communities.
“You do not need to be a tech expert — just someone who cares. Become a Digital Champion and help others connect,
learn, and thrive in today’s digital world.”
Who We are Looking For?
- WI members with digital skills and confidence
- Friendly, patient communicators
- Willing to support others with everyday digital tasks (email, Zoom, online forms, social media, and more)
- Able to commit a few hours monthly to help fellow members
What Digital Champions will do:
- Collaborative small group lessons
- Offer one-to-one or small group support!
- Help members access resources, and services!
- Promote digital inclusion!
- Share tips and tools for safer, easier digital engagement!
Timeline:·
- December: Awareness and interest building
- End January: Training sessions for HFWI Digital Champions
- February onward: Champions begin outreach and support
Ready to make a difference? Sign up to become an HFWI Digital Champion today and help us bridge the digital divide.
Interested? Sign up at office@hertswi.org.uk by 5th January 2026
Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce that the Hertfordshire Federation of WIs has been
awarded £10,000 from the Denman Trust Grant Scheme for our project: “ Bridging our Digital Divide”.
This fantastic support will enable us to offer digital skills training, support and access to technology to help more of our members feel confident and connected in the modern world. Whether it’s using email, joining Zoom meetings, or navigating social media, we want to ensure no one is left behind. It will give confidence to access the WI Learning Hub and MyWI. We aim to empower our members with digital skills to thrive in an increasingly connected world. By addressing Digital exclusion, we aim to create confident, independent, and socially connected membership, ensuring inclusivity and lifelong learning for all.
Training will use modern equipment, including Windows 11 laptops (to be purchased by the Federation) connected to central monitor
via wi-fi; in-person workshops; expert external training; regular evaluations. Workshops will take place at Marford Memorial Hall, Wheathampstead, offering a safe and inclusive environment for learning.
Thank you to the Denman Trust for recognising the importance of digital inclusion and special thanks to Rahat Aboobaker, my colleague
on the Board of Trustees and our County Treasurer, who helped bring this project to life.
Our first workshop is already organised and will take place over 3 Fridays in October – 17th, 24th and 31st. Hosted by AbilityNet, a BT-sponsored pioneering UK charity transforming the lives of people and working with organisations to build a digital world that is accessible to all. These introductory workshops will not be using laptops, but your own Smartphones, and will be free to access. Thereafter, HFWI will be implementing a token fee of £5 to support overhead costs of Digital Training.