A fantastic new partnership between ateb, Pembrokeshire College and The Open University in Wales is bringing generations together, helping customers build digital confidence while giving young people valuable opportunities to share their knowledge and skills.
Building Digital Confidence
Earlier this month customers from ateb’s De Clare Court Independent Living scheme met with computing students from Pembrokeshire College for the first session of an exciting new six-week digital skills project.
The initiative pairs students with customers to help them develop their confidence using technology, from everyday tasks such as sending emails and accessing online services to using apps, online banking and staying safe online.
But the project is about much more than technology. It’s also about building friendships, sharing experiences and creating meaningful connections between generations.
Learning Together, Growing Together
The idea for the project developed through an existing relationship between ateb and The Open University in Wales, following previous partnership work exploring local heritage.
Sarah Roberts, Senior Partnerships Manager for The Open University in Wales, explained:
“We thought how lovely it would be to make that into an intergenerational project and approach the local college to buddy up students and customers and see where that goes.”
The project has been made possible through the Medr-funded Regional Civic Engagement Partnership in Mid and West Wales, which supports collaborative initiatives that bring educational institutions and communities together.
Over the six weeks, customers and students will meet for two hours each week, with the learning shaped around what each customer wants to achieve.
For some, that might mean getting to grips with their my ateb account, while others may want help with emails, social media, online forms or simply feeling more comfortable using a tablet or smartphone.
Sarah added:
“I’m hoping that some of the customers will pick up some really helpful tips that will help them to connect with people digitally, whether that’s family or friends, or just have the confidence to experiment and use technology in a safe way.”
A Two-Way Learning Experience
While customers will benefit from the students’ digital knowledge, the young people themselves have just as much to gain.
The participating Pembrokeshire College students are studying Level 3 Computing and have experience supporting others with technology through the College’s Digital Ambassador initiative.
The project gives them an opportunity to develop their communication skills, build confidence and learn how to support people with different levels of digital experience.
Ian Lewis, Senior Lecturer for Computing at Pembrokeshire College, was particularly impressed by the patience and understanding demonstrated by the students during the opening session.
One of the students taking part, Freddie Butler, was equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to help.
“I’m here just to help if I can. It’s nice to help someone and if I can’t help, I will ask one of the other IT students.”
Bringing Generations Together
For Georgina Morris, Independent Living Coordinator at ateb, one of the most exciting aspects of the project is the opportunity to bring younger and older generations together.
“I’m really hoping that the intergenerational links between the younger students and the older customers develop a professional friendship. They’re able to learn and maybe teach each other stories.”
The opening session was already full of conversation, laughter and shared experiences, with customers discussing what they’d like to learn and students beginning to offer practical support.
The project also recognises that everyone starts from a different place. Some customers already use technology regularly, while others are taking their first steps into the digital world.
By allowing customers to learn at their own pace, the sessions aim to create a relaxed, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and trying something new.
Looking Ahead
As a six-week pilot, the partnership will also explore whether this approach could be developed further, potentially bringing students and customers together to learn about other subjects in the future.
For ateb, the project reflects our commitment to creating opportunities that help customers feel connected, confident and empowered, while strengthening relationships within our communities.
And with plenty of tea, cake and conversation along the way, it’s already proving that learning something new can be a wonderful way to bring people together.
