Nationwide branch colleagues will soon be taking free Digital Lessons directly into community groups across the UK to help people save money, avoid scams and build confidence online.
The expansion of the programme, which has been delivered in Nationwide branches since last year, is designed to reach people who may benefit from practical, face-to-face support in their community. Research from digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation1 shows eight million adults lack basic digital skills and 40 per cent are worried about being left behind as more services move online.
With the rising cost of living putting pressure on households, being online can help people make their money go further by comparing prices, accessing discounts and benefits, managing household bills and banking digitally. However, for many, a lack of confidence or skills remains a barrier.
The extension will see lessons being delivered by colleagues from nearby Nationwide branches. Costing nothing, the digital lessons will offer simple, jargon-free support and guidance for people at every stage of their digital journey. To tailor lessons to the needs of its members, groups can choose from various modules, each of which lasts up to 30 minutes. The topics covered include:
- Digital Basics
- What is Digital inclusion, why its important and barriers it creates.
- Choosing and setting up a device
- Staying safe online
- Communicating digitally
- Day to day use, including online banking and shopping
- Support for carers and tools for managing someone else’s health and finances.
- Legacy planning including setting up wills and power if attorney digitally.
Community groups can arrange a session by enquiring at their nearest Nationwide branch. Digital lessons will also continue to be offered in branches. More than 2,000 sessions have been held since launch, with over 11,800 learning modules delivered.
Mandy Beech, Director of Retail Services at Nationwide, said: "Digital confidence can have a real impact on household finances. Being able to get online safely can help people compare prices, access support they're entitled to, avoid scams and manage their money more effectively. But millions of people still lack the confidence or skills to do that. By taking Digital Lessons into community groups, we can help more people build those skills in a simple, supportive environment, while continuing to offer face-to-face support in our branches."
The expansion is the latest example of how Nationwide combines digital services with face-to-face support. As the UK's largest branch network, with 696 branches – comprising 605 Nationwide and 91 Virgin Money – Nationwide is committed to giving customers choice in how they bank and has pledged to keep every branch open until at least the beginning of 2030.
People experiencing digital exclusion can also access additional support through the National Databank programme, available across Virgin Money branches in partnership with Good Things Foundation.
For more information about Nationwide’s branch promise, visit: www.nationwide.co.uk/stayingput.
