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<p>We are committed to helping older people acquire basic digital skills as part of
our broader strategy to reduce digital exclusion. The UK Digital Strategy, published
in March 2017, describes the steps we are taking across government:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Establishing
the Digital Skills Partnership. This brings together stakeholders from the private,
public and charity sectors to join efforts both nationally and locally to help people
increase their digital skills at all levels. It will also build upon the 4 million
pledges of free digital skills training opportunities that our corporate partners
pledged as part of the Digital Strategy of which more than 2 million have already
been delivered.</li></ul><p> </p><ul><li>Introducing fully-funded basic digital skills
training for adults lacking these vital skills from 2020. Adults will have the opportunity
to take improved basic digital courses based on new national standards setting out
the basic digital skills needed to participate effectively in the labour market and
day–to-day life. We will consult on these new standards in the autumn.</li></ul><p>
</p><ul><li>Using the 3000 libraries across England to provide a trusted network of
accessible locations with trained staff and volunteers, free Wi-Fi, computers, and
other technology as well as Assisted Digital access to a wide range of digital public
services where individuals are unable to access these services independently.</li></ul><p>
</p><p>These initiatives will build on the significant investment Government already
makes in basic digital skills training through the Adult Education offer, the budget
for which is being devolved to ensure decisions on skills provision are made at a
local level. Government also funds the Future Digital Inclusion programme managed
by the Good Things Foundation and delivered through the 5,000 strong Online Centres
network. To date this programme has supported over 800,000 adult learners to develop
their basic digital skills, many of whom are socially excluded. <br></p><p>The NHS
Digital Widening Digital Participation, delivered in partnership with Good Things
Foundation, develops projects that enable people in England to improve their digital
health skills and to increase their access to digital services and tools that support
their health and care. Older people accounted for 71.8% of those reached by funded
centres within the programme.</p>
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