What we learned at the Upper Norwood Library Hub
We recently returned to where it all began: Upper Norwood Library Hub, and curated Managing Your Health Online, Today, an afternoon of talks, conversation and hands-on help for local residents who want to feel more confident using digital health services.
More than 40 people came along to the talks. Six people also had one-to-one support to set up the NHS App, so they can now book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their health information from their own phone.
We love to create safe and supportive spaces for residents to get to grips with a change to the way they can interact with services and the results were undeniable:
- 90% learnt something new
- 76% improved their confidence
- 73% felt more able to manage their health online
- 73% built positive relationships from the event
- 73% know more about other local activities
- 70% felt part of their community
We also heard from the Paxton Green Time Bank and Pantry about their inspiring work bringing neighbours together and supporting people in the community as well as Age Uk Lambeth and Healthwatch Lambeth.
Digital exclusion is a health inequality
Health services are moving online. Booking a GP appointment, getting a prescription or reading test results increasingly depends on having a device, a connection and the confidence to use them. The people who are least likely to have these are often the people who most need health services. That makes digital exclusion a health inequality, not just a technology issue.
We believe the most lasting way to tackle it is through people. When someone learns alongside neighbours, gets help from a friendly face, or hears about local activities from their peers, their confidence grows and they become more connected. Social and peer connections increase inclusion.
Thank you to Upper Norwood Library Hub for hosting us and being such a welcoming home for this work.
