North Tyneside’s Young People have their annual fund raiser, which is always good for making connections in the real world. Enabling, Empowering, Engaging and sustaining those on the digital periphery is more effective with face-to- face involvement, especially when it is also fun!

How many times have our volunteer Digital Champions heard this? ‘I wish the dam internet had never been invented

If i had a pound for every time I’d heard those words, I would be living on an exotic island somewhere. But as you can imagine, as look out of my window at another grey February sky, this is not how these things play out. However, when it comes to how young people with additional needs are choosing to communicate with each other and those around the internet (hopefully unlike the grey February sky) is here to stay. so munch so that, globally, we know that one in three internet users, or about 800 million, are children. Within the UK context, Ofcom’s state of nation 2020 report stated, in 2020, nearly all five-to 15-year-olds are online and, of this group, 81% reported experiencing online risks. Available evidence paints a familiar story. Young people with additional needs are more likely to experience online risks and have these risks worsen faster than their peers.’ for example research shows us that autistic children experience significantly more online safety risks and psychological implications of these risk experiences than non-autistic children.

Have you ever been harassed in the street? Received a crass message on a dating app? Had a coworker make a comment about your appearance that just didn’t sit right?

You’re not alone.

With the #MeToo movement, it’s easy to log onto X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook and see just how many women are victims of sexual harassment. Whether in person or online, women everywhere have experienced it in one way or another. And with all the new ways the internet has opened avenues of communication, online harassment is more prevalent than ever.

According to a study by the Pew Research Center, the majority of victims of online harassment say their most recent experience took place on social media. Although men are also subject to online harassment – which includes name calling, derision, and physical threats – the study found that online, women are more than twice as likely as men to experience sexual harassment.

Our drop-in service provides a secure environment for users to enhance their digital skills and expand their social networks of support. Many users eventually volunteer as peer supporters, sharing their knowledge with others. The service is available two days a week for drop-ins, with additional days dedicated to specific project work. Situated within the local community, the service is wheelchair-accessible and includes a café for visitors to socialize over tea/coffee or a meal, fostering connections that may lead to participation in community activities like music, cinema, and arts and crafts. Our team of 17 volunteer online Chum Mentors represents a diverse range of individuals, including disabled, elderly, retired professionals, and students, contributing to an intergenerational aspect of digital learning. Some volunteers possess specialized digital skills and can provide remote assistance to homebound individuals. All volunteers undergo DSB checks and receive training on our culture, policies, and practices, including confidentiality and adult safeguarding. On average, we welcome 12 new users monthly, some requiring one-time support while others need ongoing assistance. Approximately half of those who receive ongoing support transition into becoming volunteer Online Chum Mentors, with opportunities to contribute to community development projects such as outreach, workshops, marketing events, and research. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at 0191 4661667 or email office@parkviewproject.org.uk

Get online is an annual national event aimed at assisting individuals in getting online for the first time or exploring new ways to utilize the internet and enhance their digital skills. In the UK, more than 20% of the population still face challenges in accessing the internet or require support in utilizing digital services.

These events are open to all, no matter what your existing skill or experience. We just want to help you develop your online skills. To find out more just telephone 01914771667.

The Crack Team at Park View Project willing and ready to pave the way towards bridging the digital divide

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