Smartlyte

We have some exciting projects starting to support people to access their health online.

There will be opportunities for local people to get involved! Keep in touch as the projects develop 😊

Pleased to be supporting more Hall Green Families to stay online with support from the .

Keep your referrals coming through!

The new Learn My Way site has launched with some exciting courses!

The new Learn My Way is here We’ve relaunched Learn My Way, our free platform for digital learning. Here’s everything you need to know.

We've been busy creating a short video about our book, Amsty Meets Mr. Loan Shark.

Hope you enjoy it and share your comments!

Watch our Amsty video Amsty meets Mr Loan Shark is the second of our children's books supporting families with developing literacy and digital skills and raising awareness of topi...

A very exciting day as our latest children’s book ‘Amsty Meets Mr Loan Shark’ is featured on ITV News today @ 6pm!

The book has been developed to support families and make them more aware of the dangers of loan sharks. We will pist more updates as the project rolls out.

https://twitter.com/smartlyte/status/1488164584733257732?s=24

Smartlyte on Twitter “BREAKING NEWS! Our new book 'Amsty Meets Mr Loan Shark' is featured on ITV News tonight @ 6pm! Children enjoyed the and a surprise visit from Sid the Shark! Read the press release 👉https://t.co/RV4JEUScjf”

Worried about Money?

Sit back and listen to our latest podcast launched during as we launch the 'Worried About Money' leaflet for Birmingham. A free step by step guide to support families facing financial crisis.

Download your free leaflet by clicking https://t.co/T9pHdBD1kO?amp=1

Worried about Money? An episode by Get Families Talking

Registrations for our next workshop Understanding your Client Needs and Impact is now open!

Workshop will cover the importance of;

- Market Research
- Impact Measurement and
- Easy-to-use Online Tools

which will be explored in this 1-hour online session.

Spaces are limited. Don't delay, book now! 👇

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ue3-understanding-your-client-needs-and-impact-tickets-185988214757

Is your organisation facing challenges of engaging with learners online?

Then this workshop is for you! A free online workshop to develop the capacity of organisations facing the chalkenges of the digital world.

Registration and further details can be found by clicking the following link;

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/reaching-engaging-your-service-users-online-tickets-185930863217

“Data poverty is a serious problem.”


https://twitter.com/goodthingsfdn/status/1434849863573848065?s=21

Good Things Foundation on Twitter “🚨 "That's when we started realising this is a serious problem." 🔊 As Salim from sets out the challenges of data poverty, one thing is abundantly clear: ⏰ We cannot wait any longer. We must , now. https://t.co/KryWoAqefk”

FREE data for low income families!

Our latest project in partnership with Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation supports low income families who are digitally excluded through not being able to afford the cost of data.

Visit https://getfamiliestalking.co.uk/the-national-databank-initiative/ to find out more.

Join us on Friday 11 June 2021 as we discuss 'Digital literacies for a Healthy Democracy.'

Our very own Hafsha Shaikh will be joined by experts who will share their insights around digital literacy in different contexts. The event is FREE and you can find details on how to join in the link below;

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dcms-committee-digital-literacy-event-uk-focus-tickets-151776639013

DCMS Committee Digital Literacy event (UK Focus) An online panel event, hosted by the House of Commons DCMS Committee, exploring digital literacy with a focus on the UK.

Do you or your staff need first aid training?

We have places available on our 2 day paediatric first aid course taking place in Birmingham on Thursday 27th & Friday 29th May, 2021.

The Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid has two units that learners are required to complete and includes;

Unconscious Casualty
Child CPR And Safe Use Of An AED
Infant CPR And Safe Use Of An AED
Choking Casualty (Paediatric)
Paediatric Wounds, Bleeding And Shock
Catastrophic Bleeding (Optional Extra)
Multiple Choice Question Paper – Theory
Management Of Paediatric Fractures
Management Of Anaphylaxis
Multiple Choice Question Paper – Theory

To book your place, please click on the following link;

https://getfamiliestalking.co.uk/856-2/

Hall Green Families Hall Green Neighbourhood Network Scheme NNS Unity FM The Springfield Project The Elliot Foundation

Our Connecting Families project has now attracted attention across the world. Read below how it has been reported in

https://thecanadian.news/2021/01/29/lockdown-in-uk-highlights-digital-divide/

Lockdown in UK highlights digital divide - The Canadian In the UK, the coronavirus crisis has highlighted the digital divide in the country. Limited internet access handicaps some underprivileged students and families. Majid 18 years old, is studying biochemical engineering in the United Kingdom. The confinement imposed because of the coronavirus poses a...

Our Connecting Families project was featured on Euronews English. You can see the video by clicking the link;

https://youtu.be/yIoNXvORy3w

It's so important we continue to close the digital gap. Our project is supporting many families who are finding themselves excluded with little or no access to the internet.

The video highlights the impact our devices and data are making to the families whom we have supported from Heath Mount Primary School. The Head Teacher, Deborah Fance, commented;

"I wanted to say a big thank you for supplying our school with devices and data to support our children. I am aware that you have offered further support and as a result we have put in further referrals.

These families are so grateful for being presented with a Lenovo tablet. This could be the difference between a child from a vulnerable family succeeding in education.

Our school has many vulnerable families and this is now increasing as we discover the amount of children who do not have internet access or device.

I can not thank you enough for your kindness and your support. You are really making a difference.

We would be interested in buying Amsty Gets Online for our school library. We would be happy to take some pictures of our children reading the book."

UK Digital Exclusion, Euronews Package Aired January 29th

In case you missed it, a recording of important COVID-19 messages delivered in Mirpuri.
Please click the link below;

👉 https://youtu.be/uSDQ_IxSgkY

Mirpuri Covid Vaccine Webinar Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE will be joined by British Islamic Medical Association member, Dr Adeel Riaz for a webinar in Mirpuri answering all your question...

Schools can use this website to request free mobile data increases for families who don't have broadband at home & can't afford extra data.

Three, Smarty, Virgin Mobile, EE, Tesco Mobile & Sky Mobile are all taking part in the scheme:

https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/about-increasing-mobile-data?fbclid=IwAR1pXdv9qwPD6fxrF1036E62sz_q3O8hydhvmxdyMDVME5o4yOYOSughUTg

Increasing data allowances on mobile devices to support disadvantaged children - Get help with technology - GOV.UK This scheme temporarily increases data allowances for mobile phone users on certain networks. This is so that children and young people can access remote education if their face-to-face education is disrupted.

How Do Those “I’m Not a Robot” Tests Work?

How many times have you had to verify you are not a robot?

It's an important step to verify you are a genuine person and helps the organisation from potential security threats.

If you want to read more about how this works click here;
👉 https://www.rd.com/article/im-not-a-robot-tests/

If you want to see the funny side (like we did!) watch this video 🙂
https://www.rd.com/article/im-not-a-robot-tests/

rd.com How does clicking a box verify your humanity? Turns out computers aren't infallible, and surprisingly simple processes can deter a hack.

West Midlands Fire Service public consultation 2020

Still time to have your say on the West Midlands Fire Service public consultation 2020.

Closing date 16 December 2020.

Click link below to enter the survey👇

https://wmfs.wmnow.co.uk/1A90E7CC-F027-4345-B298-265D38C68636/QuickRegister

wmfs.wmnow.co.uk It's our job as a fire and rescue service to understand and manage risks. This helps us to work out where we need our staff and resources, so we can respond to high-risk incidents in just five minutes and plan how to deliver our vital prevention and protection work.

Revealed: The cover letter openers that will get you a job interview

Some great tips on writing a cover letter.

dailymail.co.uk An Australian senior regional director has revealed the opening cover letter lines that are guaranteed to you an interview - and the five ways you can impress enough to get the job.

We are pleased to announce the launch of Amsty Gets Online!

The story of Amsty is based in the beautiful Victorian building known as Balsall Heath Library and is illustrated with images of the library.

Amsty is a familiar character to many as his stories have been read out on our radio show Get Families Talking aired on Unity FM. Now families can order their own copy directly by clicking on the following link https://amzn.to/37nkYS9

We'd love to have your feedback or even better please leave a review on our book. Look forward to hearing from you!

When we argue with our partner or ex-partner, we can get caught up in the heat of the moment. At times like these, it’s difficult to find a way forward.

Our online workshop today helps parents to when a conflict arises.

GoodThingsFoundation on Twitter

Managing your finances is a life skill. Read how we have been working with the Mastercard campaign to
support families to develop their financial resilience during these challenging times.

https://twitter.com/goodthingsfdn/status/1326463428769312768?s=21

twitter.com “19.4 MILLION people feel left in the dark because of digital exclusion. with is fighting back. Network partner is part of the project: https://t.co/5LO8tKsoH4 https://t.co/9utjBdLH2r”

Well, it's all this week and we have got some exciting news!

You've been hearing about the adventures of Amsty, our friendly computer who has been helping families to get online at Balsall Heath library.

Well, now you can read about his exciting adventures as we launch our first ever Amsty book! It's a children's book aimed at families and young people.

Keep following us on here as we give you daily updates on the book launch...

Have you renewed your Child Tax Credit claim?
The deadline to do this is 31 July 2020 and is only 7 days away!

Tune in to Get Families Talking today to find out more details. Today's guest is HMRC on Unity FM, 5 - 6 pm.

What is Child Tax Credit?

Child Tax Credit is paid to help people with the costs of bringing up a child.

Only one household can get Child Tax Credit for each child.

You don’t need to be working to claim Child Tax Credit.

Child Tax credit does not include any help with the costs of childcare. If you are already getting tax credits and you are working on a low income, you may be entitled to Working Tax Credit and this benefit can include help with childcare costs.

You can’t claim tax credits and Universal Credit at the same time. Child Tax Credit is being replaced by Universal Credit.

How to renew.

You can renew online, via the app or over the phone.
Renewing online is quick and easy to do. Once you've started the process you can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of a renewal, and find out when you’ll hear back from HMRC.

Customers can also use the HMRC app on their smartphone to renew their tax credits.

You can also renew by phone on 0345 300 3900.

Are you worried about your child's education? Join us on Get Families Talking today as we discuss the impact of on education, families and children.

Our guest are the Principal and Deputy Principal of Aston University Engineering Academy. Tune in for what will be a very informative show for all!

The show is on Unity FM today at 5 pm.

https://twitter.com/Smartlyte/status/1283782209325998080?s=20

Families are reaching out for help.

Its been a very stressful and difficult time for families and children during lockdown. And now that the school academic year comes to and end and the summer break is around the corner, families are searching for more support to manage their households.

Our guest today on the Get Families Talking radio show is Kirsty Arrowsmith, Children & Families Network Manager from Accord
who talks about the support and help that is available for families in the area.

The show is aired on Unity FM at 5 pm today. Make sure you tune in! Hall Green Families Hall Green Neighbourhood Network Scheme NNS

Education is not the answer to the question. Education is the means to the answer to all questions.

Are you struggling to buy clothes for you and your family?

There is help available through the ‘Wear and Share’ project. Details on how to access the service are attached on the flyer.

Hall Green Families Ladywood District - Birmingham Forward Steps

As restrictions are slowly lifted following lockdown, how do we maintain safety whilst families shop, travel and socialise?

Our Get Families Talking show on Unity FM welcomes Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport / Environment for Birmingham City Council as we discuss these and other important issues, including implementing Birmingham's Clean Air Zone.

The show takes place today and every Thursday at 5pm.

#

We were pleased to have been invited to speak on The Breakfast Show hosted by The Voice Of Islam this morning. The show focused on our work highlighted in the CNN report 'Almost half the world is living through this pandemic without internet.'

The people who need online services the most are the ones who are least likely to access them if they are without devices or connectivity. We have been working tirelessly with and Good Things Foundation to get more housholds online.

The interim impact report on the work to date can be found here:https://media.futuredotnow.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Interim-Impact-Report-1-DevicesDotNow-19-May-2020.pdf

And the full CNN report can be read here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/07/world/internet-inequality-coronavirus-intl/index.html

We have a great radio show lined up for you on 'Get Families Talking.' It's aired on Unity FM today at 5 pm.

Our guest today are Lloyds Bank and Hafsha will be speaking with Joanna and Chris about the findings from the as well as the work of the .

Having the right digital skills is so important in all aspects of our lives and the current pandemic has highlighted the need even more.

Make sure you tune in and take part in the conversation!

Learning Never Exhausts The Mind

Almost half the world is living through this pandemic without the internet

Read all about it!!

We are delighted to read our hard work and passion for supporting has been reported by CNN!

See our video: https://youtu.be/IXTsZlAADeE

People without digital technology, digital skills and internet connectivity is affecting billions of people around the world. In fact, research shows half the world is affected.

Our project in partnership with Good Things Foundation and www.futuredotnow.uk supports individuals who have found themselves in this situation and isolated from the world during the pandemic.

Our work has been highlighted by CNN and the report explains how we have supported Annette Addison with the project and as a result her life has been transformed by getting Annette online.

You can read the full CNN article here:

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/07/world/internet-inequality-coronavirus-intl/index.html

Waseem Zaffar Birmingham City Council

cnn.com When the coronavirus pandemic began to spread through Colombia, creeping its way to the town of Uribia, the only information Angela Montiel could get about Covid-19 was from her neighbors.

Our guest on the Get Families Talking radio show is .

Tune in as we discuss with Rob Willoughby how the service supports all families and children across .

Normal time, 5pm this Thursday, 4th June, 2020.

When the show starts, families listen. When the show ends that’s when Families Get Talking!

Hall Green Families Birmingham City Council Unity FM Hall Green Neighbourhood Network Scheme NNS David Cusack The Springfield Project Ladywood District - Birmingham Forward Steps St. Paul's Community Development Trust Caroline Wolhuter

www.goodthingsfoundation.org

Really pleased to be featured in the latest Interim Impact Report for FutureDotNow. We have been supporting one of our learners Annette Addison who was completely isolated with no internet connectivity or equipment since lockdown. Click the link below to read Annette's story.

https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/sites/default/files/interim_impact_report_1_devicesdotnow_19_may_2020.pdf

goodthingsfoundation.org