Grundisburgh Community Tech Hub News June 2024
The technology revolution is scaring many especially the age groups who grew up used to the idea of speaking with people to get things done. Now; the banks are closing their branches and want you to use their phone apps whilst at the same time fraud is on the increase and rampant. With the new world of Artificial Intelligence being added to the mix, it is daunting for many.
A team of IT Professionals have come together to help keep people safe through briefing sessions, training and backed up with an “in the home” tech support service all being delivered at vastly reduced prices to the normal commercial rates. We have now created a “Club” to bring the community together in a trustworthy manner. Members become part of a highly trusted group of people who wish to create something for the benefit of all. It also gives us surety of demand as it takes a lot of time and effort to produce the materials required.
Our quarterly briefing events are held at the Grundisburgh Village Hall, 3pm – 5pm with tea break at 4pm:
A recent event in May covered BT/EE Merger, Cloud Storage & New Device Selection.
Forthcoming sessions after the summer break have been booked as follows with some external guest speakers:
27th Sept: ID Fraud & Prevention, Romance Scams
22nd Nov: An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
To book: events@communitytechhub.org
The team have created a Community Interest Company CIC called the “Community Tech Hub” which has been registered with the Social Enterprise Regulator. The difference between a normal company and a CIC is that any profits are put back into the community not distributed as shareholder dividends. Should the company cease trading for any reason any assets are locked to another local charity/CIC which we have nominated as Community Action Suffolk.
The other key benefit is that it allows us to apply for grant funding from local councils and community funds. We trying to find that balance of providing a trustworthy & highly professional service at affordable rates for residents.
According to some statistics the over 65’s lose the most money to scams, and too much shaming is going on. We at the Tech Hub are here to turn over those two issues and keep the community safe but also help reduce isolation caused by it all.
We are pleased to announce that we have recently been awarded a grant from East Suffolk Council to help us get this programme up and running. This includes a pot of money to subsidise anyone who is unable to afford the fees. If you know of anyone who could benefit please let us know.
We are also in need of some help:
Ø Marketing PR
Ø Admin & Events Management
Ø IT Trainers / Presenters
All of the roles are part time. if you are interested, please make contact; paul@communitytechhub.org
Your “trusted” team are:
• Paul Finch: CEO 45+ years in technology, with a background in software development, business leadership, and charity management.
• Will Barber: 20+ years in web development, ecommerce, cyber security and IT education
• James Mott: 20+ years in software development in the banking sector, covering many aspects of cyber security and software safety
• Phil Bailey: 40+ years in software development and deployment and cyber security, in the MOD and telecoms.
• Lynette Chapman: 40+ years in education and learning methodologies
All Directors hold DBS and Safeguarding Certificates
Our business model has been described as an exemplar for how communities can tackle this difficult to solve subject. Chairman Paul has been invited to speak at a number of forums recently including to a large group of people at the Home Office with a panel of speakers that included the CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance.
For more information, please contact Lyn Chapman, lyn@communitytechhub.org