Belfast Harbour Community Awards has funded our User Forum Digital Skills Training Programme. This investment has allowed us to create specialist training for disabled people using Microsoft Teams for communication, collaboration, and productivity. The five-week hybrid course will enhance real-time collaboration and support active participation in the group’s regular sessions.

Our User Forum hosts local groups in Ballymena, Belfast, Downpatrick, North Down & Ards, Enniskillen, Foyle and Newry. The group aims to be the voice of service users province-wide. It influences and informs services, contributes to external consultations and co-produces initiatives that promote an inclusive society for all. Therefore, the expansion of digital skills is invaluable to facilitate accessibility and information sharing.

Belfast Harbour Community Engagement Manager Jenni Barkley said:

“As a community-focused port, which is committed to supporting initiatives that benefit a diverse range of people, Belfast Harbour is delighted to be able to support this fantastic project by The Cedar Foundation. Digital transformation is at the heart of so much of the work we are doing, so we know just what a difference initiatives like the Digital Skills Training Programme can make in empowering disabled individuals by teaching them to use software to enhance their lives and develop their skills. We wish everyone taking part in this fantastic project the very best of luck, and look forward to seeing the many positive impacts this will have on their lives.”

The recently piloted initiative has engaged User Forum members both online and offline. The training involved two of our UF members, Jim and Tommy, and their feedback was extremely positive. Both felt that a small training session was the key to their understanding and offered the chance to practice using links, opening links, joining meetings, familiarity with layout etc. and how to leave a meeting. The full programme utilises video tutorials, screen readers, sign language interpreters, captions, and hands-on guides to put accessibility front and centre of the skills development experience.

Rhona McAuley, Organisational Development Manager, (Cedar) said:

“Platforms like Microsoft Teams can significantly enhance communication, accessibility, and professional growth. Overall, digital training empowers disabled individuals, fostering diversity, improving access to opportunities, and promoting a greater sense of belonging and engagement in professional and social environments. As such this programme will support people to live the lives they choose.”

The full training programme is set to roll out across the region imminently and will result in participants gaining the skills to navigate Microsoft Teams confidently, use collaborative tools, and customise accessibility features to suit their needs. This will foster greater independence and participation with the impact being the increased influence of disabled people in society.

If you would like to learn more about our User Forum click here to visit the dedicated page.