Local charity is helping people who are ‘digitally excluded to access online health and social care resources

Consumer champion charity Healthwatch Torbay has been awarded a grant to deliver a free local programme of online health & social care training and support – aimed primarily at older people and voluntary community groups in Torbay.

Since 2014 Healthwatch Torbay have been collecting public feedback about the care they receive using their online rate & review feedback system – supported by the South West Academic Health Science Network and NHS England – which allows the public to rate their experience with a local health and/or social care service such as their GP Practice, dentist, hospital or care home, via their website.

“One area of concern we have heard from the public is that they are either unaware of or unable to access useful health and social care resources on the internet that could have a positive impact on their wellbeing – such as the ability to book an appointment, order a prescription, self-refer or rate and review their experience all at the click of a button,” said Healthwatch Torbay Chair Dr Kevin Dixon. “We want to help these people who are – for whatever reason – ‘digitally excluded’ from using online services by providing them with a route, with support, to join the online world and access all the local digital health and social care resources available to them.”

Healthwatch Torbay is actively seeking volunteers to both receive and deliver this free training package throughout the Torbay area. If you are interested, call free on 08000 520 029 or email admin@healthwatchtorbay.org.uk.