The digital inclusion project, HomeTech, has proved a massive hit with members of the Cathedral community and is still going strong!
Launched at an event in Vicars’ Hall in November 2021, the first workshops were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic until February 2022. The five weekly workshops were designed as an introduction to home technology, covering everything from smart TVs and phones, to smart speakers and computers.
The project was supported with a grant from AllChurches Trust which enabled the purchase of laptops and tablets for members to use.
Volunteer Team Leader, Ken Sim, said:
"I wanted to share that HomeTech @ Chichester Cathedral is still going strong! We’ve welcomed a steady group of regulars and a wave of new faces since the start of the year. Our doors remain wide open to all.
From January to July, we averaged 33 people receiving one-to-one support at each session. On top of that, around 20 attendees join us each time just for our Midday Q&A—a popular slot that’s fast becoming a community highlight!
Our Q&As dive into current tech issues and trends—ranging from the rise in scams to digital voice changes and the upcoming end of support for Windows 10. We’ve also flagged the phasing out of the radio teleswitch signal that powers Economy 7 meters—many were unaware, so it’s been crucial to get the word out.
We’re very grateful to West Sussex Libraries—Natasha Jones and her colleagues from Chichester Library have been brilliant, generously offering their time and support.
Thanks to this amazing collaboration—with our Cathedral digital volunteers and staff—HomeTech continues to make a real difference by offering free, friendly tech support to those who need it most.
We took a short break in August, but are back on 3rd September".
We’ll be holding monthly HomeTech surgeries in September, October and November with bookable 1 to 1 sessions for you to get the digital support you need.
The surgeries will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday 3rd September, 10.00am & 1.00pm
- Wednesday 1st October, 10.00am & 1.00pm
- Wednesday 5th November, 10.00am & 1.00pm
Booking for surgeries is essential.
To book or if you have any questions, please contact E: hometech@chichestercathedral.org.uk or T: 01243 812983