Digital Champions for Community Success

In an increasingly digitalised society, vulnerable adults can be more isolated and either dependent on external help or excluded from participation. Existing provisions to assist vulnerable adults are described as far from adequate, and support often focuses on solving immediate needs rather than empowering people to build lasting skills.

To create a Training Package for adult educators, trainers and carers working with vulnerable adults, that: (1) acts as a self-learning tool on designing and implementing strategies for enhancing vulnerable adults' basic skills; (2) develops educators' competences to work with diverse learners using new technologies; and (3) embraces a 'Digital Champions' methodology in which adult learners become support champions within their own communities.

Partners developed 3 training modules: Module 1 (Digital Skills), covering digital skills across 6 thematic groups structured by ability level; Module 2 (How to be a Digital Champion), on the competences trainers/carers need to work with vulnerable adults, plus a list of online support tools; and Module 3 (How to become a Digital Champion), on identifying and supporting community members to become digital champions. The programme targeted trainers/carers of vulnerable adults facing disabilities/learning difficulties or social obstacles such as low-skilled migrants, long-term unemployed people, and elderly people in care.