Face-to-face support for people who need help to access online council services will be available at the Manor Hospital from next week – thanks to a thriving partnership between Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Council and local organisations.

A new Walsall Connected centre will be officially launched at 2pm on Wednesday 12 July by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Chris Towe, and Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive of Walsall Healthcare.

Walsall Connected is a partnership between Walsall Council and local community associations, libraries and partner organisations. In total, there are now 28 Walsall Connected sites across the borough, conveniently located in the heart of local communities.

Free Wi-Fi and access to public computers is available and trained staff and volunteers are on hand to assist people and teach valuable digital skills. As well as offering support to residents to access online council services, it also gives them the opportunity to learn transferable digital skills such as using email and web browsing.

Garry Perry, Associate Director – Patient Relations & Experience at Walsall Healthcare said: “I know that Walsall Connected centres are making a real impact in our communities, helping to bridge the digital divide for those people who need additional support in our increasingly technological world.

“We’re proud that a centre will open at the hospital for our patients, families and carers to benefit from this addition to our healthcare services. Partnering with the council and various community organisations demonstrates our collective aim to ensure we are doing what we can to meet the needs of our communities. I’d also like to thank the committed volunteers who are part of Walsall Connected for their dedication to helping others.”

Andrew Rice, Patient Experience and Voluntary Services Manager at Walsall Healthcare, said: “Being able to provide such a centre in the hospital was another significant step towards creating more inclusive communities.

He added: “Our staff not only look after patients’ health needs but regularly signpost them to appropriate support and services that are available in the borough and having Walsall Connected on hand means we can improve access to this important information.”

Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council, added: “It’s important that our residents have access to the digital world and so I am delighted a Walsall Connected centre is opening here at the hospital.

“It’s a great location and I’m sure that it will prove to be popular. It means that more people can take advantage of the opportunities that digital technology offers and understand how to access online services. Increasingly, more and more services and information are going online so it’s important that support is available and accessible for those who need it.”

For more information about Walsall Connected, please visit: www.walsall.gov.uk/people_and_communities/walsall_connected