Inclusive Bytes is an Oldham-based Community Interest Company which is bringing together young tech students and volunteers who are looking to gain experience in the digital world with Oldham residents who are looking for support with using technology.
This is being done thanks to a community tech space in the Spindles Shopping Centre which Inclusive Bytes has opened.
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There, the group are offering free workshops running throughout the school holidays which include bridge building, 3D printing, pixel art and fuse beads, building your own traffic lights and Oobleck, which is a gooey substance that behaves like a liquid and a solid.
Founder Andy Powell said: “It twigged that there were a lot of young people not getting the experience they need and people needing help, so I thought ‘let’s merge the two’.
“We teach people everything from basic digital skills and getting online, to coding, gaming and virtual reality.
People of all ages are being supported with using technology, including 3D pens (Image: Oldham Council)
“We are making technology interesting and fun for children and adults, and at the same time our volunteers are learning soft skills.”
Inclusive Bytes is aiming to bridge the digital gap and make the online world feel less overwhelming for everyone, while also allowing the volunteers to develop their social skills.
Mr Powell, who has years worth of experience as a web designer, added: “We have been showing some people their first digital skills, helping them to combat their fears or with something that excites them.
All kinds of digital support is on offer at Inclusive Bytes (Image: Oldham Council)
“When we explain to people that technology is a human creation it makes it less daunting for them.”
Getting people’s attention and encouraging them to drop in to the tech space has not been a problem for Mr Powell, thanks in large part to his human-sized Dalek called Bob, replicating the cyborg aliens from Doctor Who.
The remote-controlled machine was a spur-of-the-moment eBay purchase by Mr Powell, and Bob was fitted with a motor and wheels by the talented Inclusive Bytes team, who are aged between 16 and 22.
Andy Powell with Bob, his human-sized Dalek (Image: Oldham Council)
Mr Powell said: “The looks on people’s faces have been priceless. Some think it’s a person in a suit and ask ‘is it hot in there?'”
Sidney Bradley, 21, is on a summer placement with Inclusive Bytes during a break from their Theoretical Physics course at Lancaster University.
They said: “It’s very enriching. A highlight for me was working on the code to make the Dalek move.
Bob the Dalek has been cathcing the attention of shoppers in Spindles (Image: Oldham Council)
“My big passion is computer science and the placement here is providing me with teamwork skills and the opportunity to work with and help others.”
Paddy Bond, 22, was also on a placement through Oldham College, where he studied T-level Digital Infrastructure, and is now at Inclusive Bytes full time while working towards a career in cyber security.
He said: “The placement has given me the confidence to interact with people, and it has helped me to be able to look people in the eye.
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“At the same time we are teaching people digital skills in a useable, digestible way.”
Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services and Sustainability, said: “Inclusive Bytes is a fantastic initiative that not only helps people gain the digital skills they need in today’s world, but also gives young tech volunteers the chance to share their talents and make a real difference in our community.
“It’s inspiring to see how this project is opening doors for people of all ages and making sure no one is left behind in our digital world.”