Today, on International Girls in ICT Day, we look at the incredible power of technology not just as a tool for work, but as a vital bridge to a new life. For Migrant and Refugee women arriving in Nottingham, mastering digital skills is not an optional extra, it’s an essential step towards independence, safety, and belonging.
At The Community Revolution, we understand that starting over in a new country comes with immense challenges. Trying to navigate digital life on top of everything else can feel overwhelming or even risky. That is why our Essential Digital Skills (EDS) Pilot is focused on practical, real-world utility. We exist to help you unlock the power of digital life so you can thrive.
Why digital skills are the key to connection
When you need to connect with your family far away, register with a new doctor, or help your children with their schoolwork, a lack of confidence with digital tools can hold you back. The EDS Pilot focuses on the skills that offer immediate, practical support for integration into your new life here in Nottingham.
The need for this support is global, as digital literacy is now considered an essential skill for forcibly displaced people worldwide (see: UNHCR Digital Literacy Concept Note).
Learning digital skills is about closing the distance, not creating more of it. It’s about being able to:
- Connect with Family: Use video calls and messaging apps reliably and affordably to stay close to loved ones, regardless of where they are in the world.
- Access Essential Services: Complete online forms for schools, housing, and benefits independently, without relying on others.
- Manage Health: Book appointments, order prescriptions, and find reliable health information from NHS services in Nottingham. A lack of digital access is a major barrier to healthcare for people seeking asylum in the UK (British Red Cross Report).
These are not abstract skills; they are the practical steps that make life easier and put control back in your hands.
Learning in a safe space: our trauma-informed approach
We know that for many members of the Migrant and Refugee community, the internet can feel like a dangerous place. You may have faced challenges in the past with privacy, scams, or even online harm. In fact, research shows that digital exclusion is often linked to serious psychological barriers, including fear and a lack of trust. The essential role of digital literacy for protection in contexts of forced displacement is clear (article on Digital Literacy in Displacement).
Our approach is different. We are rooted in the Trauma-Informed Approach (TIA) to ensure our learning environment is safe and non-judgemental. This means:
- Trust and Transparency: You always know what is being taught, who is teaching it, and why. We share knowledge openly to help you make informed decisions.
- Peer Support: You learn alongside others who share similar experiences, building a network of support within your local community.
- Prioritising Safety: Our curriculum dedicates time to digital safety, privacy settings, recognising scams, and understanding online rights, ensuring you feel secure whenever you go online.
We believe that digital confidence grows when trust is established first. You will be learning at your own pace, with patient support that respects your unique experience and journey. There is no such thing as a ‘silly question’ here.
Join our community and build your digital confidence
The EDS Pilot is now recruiting women from Migrant and Refugee communities across Nottingham. By joining this pilot, you gain free access to accredited training and become part of a vital research effort that will shape digital inclusion policy for years to come.
This is your opportunity to claim your space in the digital world. It is a chance to feel safe, independent, and fully connected to your new home. Our local VCSE partners (Nottingham Refugee Forum and The Chase Neighbourhood Centre / St Ann’s Advice Centre) are ready to welcome you and provide the hands-on, local support you need.
Ready to take control of your digital life?
Click here to find out more and sign up for the Essential Digital Skills Pilot today.
