Chat from the Chair

Dear Fellow members,

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 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.
We look forward to sharing more details soon on how members can get involved!

Mrs Jill Profit - Chair, Hertfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes