Parkside Digital Empowerment Programme (30 - 49)

A free 6-week digital skills and employability programme for Peabody residents aged 30+.

Build practical digital skills, improve your job prospects, and learn how to confidently use essential online services such as job applications, housing, benefits and NHS platforms.

Delivered face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre, this structured programme provides step-by-step support in a friendly group environment to help you develop skills for work and everyday digital life. Build skills. Move forward.

OVERVIEW:

The Parkside Digital Empowerment Programme is a fully funded programme designed for Peabody residents aged 30 and over who want to improve their digital skills, build confidence, and strengthen their employability in a supportive and structured environment.

Delivered by DCS Empowerment CIC, the programme takes place face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre and is tailored for individuals with limited digital experience, low confidence using technology, or those looking to move closer to employment or improve their current situation.

The programme focuses on practical, real-life digital skills that support job searching, accessing essential online services, and managing everyday tasks such as housing, healthcare and finances.

What you will learn:

During the course of the programme, you will gain practical skills and confidence in:

• Using laptops, smartphones and the internet for everyday tasks
• Creating and managing email accounts
• Accessing online services such as housing, benefits and NHS platforms
• Improving digital confidence and online safety awareness
• Building or updating a simple CV
• Identifying your skills and strengths from work and life experience
• Searching and applying for jobs online
• Understanding modern recruitment systems
• Introduction to ethical AI tools for job applications (with guidance and support)
• Managing money online, including budgeting tools and online banking basics
• Digital wellbeing and staying safe online

You will also receive support to plan your next steps into employment, volunteering, or further learning.

Why this programme matters

Many residents in Parkside face challenges with digital access, employment opportunities, and navigating essential online services such as housing, healthcare, and benefits systems.

This programme has been designed in response to these needs, providing trusted, face-to-face support in a familiar community setting.

It focuses on building confidence first, then developing practical skills that support independence, wellbeing and employability.

Programme structure:

The programme runs over 9 weeks in total (including one break week during half-term) and is delivered in two stages:

Weeks 1 to 7: Group learning sessions focused on digital skills, confidence building, employability and practical everyday digital use.

Weeks 8 - 9: Light-touch progression support, including one-to-one help with CVs, job applications, digital tasks, and guided support to access online services independently.

Sessions are delivered face-to-face at Parkside Community Centre in small groups of 10 to 12 learners, creating a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Programme Schedule:

Start date: Thursday 24th September 2026

Schedule: Thursdays, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

End date: 12th November 2026

Programme length: 6 weeks of group workshops

Extra: 2 weeks of progression and follow-up support

Programme Delivery

• Face-to-face workshops at Parkside Community Centre
• Small supportive groups (10 to 12 learners)
• Step-by-step guided learning
• Friendly and inclusive environment
• One-to-one progression support in the final weeks

Who is this programme for:

This programme is for Parkside residents who:

• Are aged 30 to 49
• Have low or very limited digital skills
• Want to improve confidence using technology
• Are looking to return to work or improve employability
• May have ESOL needs or require additional language support
• Feel unsure or anxious about using online systems

No previous experience is required. Full support is provided.

Benefits of taking part:

By joining the programme, you will:

• Gain confidence using digital devices and online services
• Improve your chances of finding work or training
• Learn how to create and improve a CV
• Understand how to apply for jobs online
• Become more independent in managing everyday tasks
• Reduce reliance on others for digital access
• Improve confidence and well-being through learning and peer support

FUNDING:

This programme is funded by Parkside Community Development Fund and delivered by DCS Empowerment CIC. It forms part of a wider estate-based initiative supporting digital inclusion, employability and wellbeing across Parkside.

About The Parkside Community Fund:

Lewisham Local, in partnership with Peabody Community Foundation, is delivering the Parkside Community Fund to support community development and strengthen local resilience on the Parkside Estate in Lewisham, as part of the area’s regeneration.

How to join

This programme is free, but places are limited.

You can register your interest via Eventbrite or contact us directly:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 7175 7735 / 07518 630 040

Our team will confirm your place and provide any additional information needed before the programme starts.

Build skills. Move forward.