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Community First is the lead organisation for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Project which aims to support the development and increase the use of ICT across the Voluntary and Community Sector in Wiltshire and Swindon.
This will be achieved through the following objectives:
Extend the scope of ICT provision
A scoping exercise was undertaken in September 2005 to gauge the ICT needs of Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) infrastructure organisations. Recommendations were produced to ensure all infrastructure organisations met common high standards of ICT provision, increasing the capacity of the VCS to support community activity and to raise awareness of local services.
Create a network for exchanging information, servicing partnerships and raising awareness
The Hub has worked with the local authorities in Wiltshire to develop Wiltshire Community Web, a facility which enables voluntary and community groups and organisations to create their own web sites, free of charge, allowing the Internet to be used for information exchange and dissemination.
The website went live in April 2006 and has received a great response, both from visitors and users. Whilst it continues to grow and develop, more and more users are making use of this free facility and the support that is available. Take a look at the site: www.wiltshirecommunityweb.org.uk
Widen access to ICT
Promotion of ICT training and exploration of new models of delivery to rural communities will be carried out in conjunction with the Learning Curve and other training providers. Training will be provided for a network of IT staff in the partner organisations to increase confidence and capacity that can be shared amongst local groups and organisations.
Address the unmet ICT needs of isolated rural and BME communities
The needs of rural and BME communities will be researched, in conjunction with the Diversity Hub, and an action plan will be produced to address the identified priorities.
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Consortium members who can advise on ICT:
Community First
Learning Curve
Wessex Community Action
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