November's Support Offers

Cov Connects has Launched!

CovConnects launched as the councils new digital inclusion programmes and initiatives to ensure all Coventry residents have access and equal opportunities to use digital tools, technologies and services in the right way for them. Please see below overview of two new initiatives

Digital Drop-ins @ Central Library, every Tuesday and Saturday 10am – 12pm

Digital drop-ins are now taking place in central library, where residents can go to get 1:1 support and learn new digital skills such as using a device for the first time, setting up an email address, staying safe online, and accessing online services. Support is offered by our trained digital champion volunteers and will be individual and tailored to what the learner would like to know.

The National Databank

We know that there are many residents may not be able to get online due to rising costs, but we understand that staying connected is vital to access services, support and stay connected with others.

Coventry City Council has signed up with the National Databank to help distribute data to residents who are struggling to afford to keep connected.

Who is eligible to receive support from the National Databank?

To be eligible to receive data from the National Databank, the individual must: 

• Be 18+ years old
• and be from a low-income household 

And qualify in one or several of the following statements: 

• Has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
• and/or has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from the home 
• and/or cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up

How do I access the data?

To access the National Databank, you can request support by:

• Speaking to a member of the Meet and Greet team in the Customer Service Centre at Broadgate House
• or emailing CovConnectsDigital@coventry.gov.uk

Are you an organisation interested in supporting your community via the National Databank?

We are working with community organisations to increase our National Databank network across the city. If your organisation supports residents, please consider signing up to the National Databank to join us in reducing data poverty and keeping our residents connected.

How do organisations sign up with the National Databank?

The National Databank is open to all community organisations that are members of the Good Things Foundation’s Online Centres Network. If you are not a member yet, you can sign up free to join, enabling access to training, the National Databank and other funding opportunities.

If you are already a member of the Good Things Foundation’s Online Centre Network, you can apply to be part of the National Databank by accessing their funding opportunities.

If you are interested in joining the National Databank network please email CovConnectsDigital@coventry.gov.uk

Cost of living support

As the costs of necessities such as food and heating continue to increase, many people are struggling to keep up with their rising household costs. If you are a Coventry resident find out what support your may be entitled to.

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cost-living-wellbeing-support#

Keeping Coventry Warm – Energy Efficiency Grants and Energy Saving Advice

More people than ever are likely to experience fuel poverty this year and, with the cost of living increasing, we are going to see many of those who have never worried about their bills getting into debt and really struggling.

However, we are here to help. Coventry City Council, in partnership with local charity Act on Energy provide a variety of support for Coventry residents including referrals for grants towards insulation, solar PV and other energy efficiency measures. They can also support with bill advice, tariff switching, and onwards referrals to other agencies if appropriate. Home owners interested in free energy efficiency measures can contact Act on Energy, who will check eligibility, provide support through the application process.

To find out more about grants, information and advice, please visit Act on Energy website at: Act On Energy - Energy Efficiency, Grants & Advice

Email: advice@actonenergy.org.uk Or call 0800 988 2881