Emmaüs Connect

Association: Emmaeus Connect

The digital exclusion of seniors, who are sometimes isolated, whether geographically or even socially, exacerbates their situation and distances them from community life and essential social connections. To address this, Emmaeus Connect is proposing a two-pronged project:

Supported Project: Digital Skills Development Program

Pronged 1: Welcoming and Supporting Seniors in a Digital Solidarity Space

Building on several projects conducted for seniors based on this principle, a new digital solidarity space has opened in Roubaix at 10 rue Mail de Lannoy in McArthurGlen.

A digital solidarity space offers three types of services:

• Access to internet access via a mobile phone plan at affordable rates

• Access to digital equipment via a range of PCs, smartphones, and tablets at affordable rates

Receive individualized and group support for digital use

These Digital Solidarity spaces are welcoming and collaborative environments where many people of different backgrounds and ages come together, whether they are beneficiaries, volunteers, or employees. For seniors, it's an opportunity to build social and intergenerational connections, and for those who are more motivated, they can volunteer with Emmaeus Connect.

Axis 2: The deployment of customized support programs with partner organizations.

In addition to the services offered at the Digital Solidarity Center, a digital skills development program for computers and tablets has been created, specifically designed to reach seniors who may have limited mobility.

These programs, aimed at complete beginners, have three entry levels, allowing for genuine progression and, most importantly, ensuring the inclusion of all individuals experiencing digital vulnerabilities.

The program consists of a series of workshops lasting between two and two and a half hours, scheduled according to a plan developed with our referring partner. These workshops are conducted in groups of no more than 12 participants.

This support will enable seniors to learn how to use various devices—computers, tablets, and smartphones—in a fun and engaging way, allowing them to navigate the internet independently and safely.