Safety Net - Digital Inclusion

Who are we?

SafetyNet was established in 2015 at the request of Rabbi Wreschner and with the encouragement of other local Rabbonim. 

The big dream was to create a safe space where people could have access to high-speed Internet with appropriate filtering so its users could get online whilst avoiding the negative side effects of the Internet. 

Now, over 8 years later we are proud to have established 2 Internet Cafes with a third opening soon in Lower Broughton. We have 40 computers and printing and scanning facilities. 

We mentor and support users in Windows, Word, Excel (for budgeting), and email. We help people deal with utility companies, pay bills and make online purchases (which are usually cheaper). We teach parents and children how to avoid sharing personal information, cyberbullying, and scams.  

We offer a cost-effective and comfortable way to stay connected and productive in today's digital world.

Impact

In line with the Government's Digital Strategy; we aim to lessen the digital divide and therefore reduce health and education inequalities in the community. Including 'NHS Digital', accessing health monitoring apps, askmyGP, and disability devices. Reducing loneliness, people unable to communicate with society, and feeling disconnected caused by digital isolation, leading to low mood and depression. Improving skills for jobs; accessing job agencies and reducing unemployment and the need for statutory benefits, and helping people to access state benefits when necessary.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We would like to expand our premises to accommodate more people with additional computers and more comfortable and convenient workspaces. 

We want to provide additional hours of mentoring and create opportunities for 400 users to learn everyday skills that are needed to thrive in our digital society and to have the confidence to use them.

We will also run training courses to address the different needs of our users.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Your donation will allow us to buy 9 computers including software license and setup. This costs £550 per computer = £4950.

We will be able to increase staff for mentoring by 10 hours a week = £4500

We will also be able to advertise our services so we can reach more people and make a bigger impact = £550