Helping to transform lives

TECH giant Google is helping some of the most vulnerable people transform their lives.

Through its Digital Garage project, it has paired up with Big Issue North to help vendors finding a job and boost their online skills.

Big Issue vendors can be homeless or sleeping rough, in temporary accommodation, in danger of losing their home, unemployed and/or facing financial crisis.

Homeless and vulnerable people face unique challenges when it comes to digital literacy.

Smartphones can be key in helping avoid social exclusion, providing an outlet for communicating, for researching work placements and opportunities and for helping connect to vital services. The partnership between Google and Big Issue North offers the magazine’s vendors one-to-one mentoring, training and group workshops on essential digital skills.

Daniel Achim, service manager at Big Issue North, said the charity is delighted to be working alongside the Google Digital Garage to give more vendors in Manchester the chance to make the most of the opportunities digital brings.

“As well as giving people a chance to earn an income through selling the magazine, we look to support our vendors in making positive changes and help them move on with their lives,” he said.

“In today’s society, supporting access to digital skills training is really important for us; it gives vendors greater opportunity to enter mainstream employment, and generally become more digitally savvy.”

Hannah Glenny, communications manager at Google UK said: “Everyone should have the chance to learn new digital skills to help them navigate information and services online, and feel confident in applying for jobs or taking the next steps in their career.”

The Digital Garage in Manchester opened in November, offering free face-to-face coaching for anyone who wants to improve their digital skills.