WCIT MONITOR Issue 66 Dec 2015 | Page 18

CHARITY MONITOR Project i-Reach T hames Reach's mission is to end street homelessness by assisting vulnerable and socially excluded people to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. They specialise in helping those with complex support needs such as mental ill-health, substance misuse and challenging behaviour. They deliver a range of services including street outreach, hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and a range of employment, training and education programmes. Digital exclusion is a growing problem for homeless and vulnerable people. As information and services move online, these individuals are often prevented from accessing housing, jobs and the everyday social benefits because they lack the skills they need to use the internet effectively. i-Reach will take digital literacy mentors and IT equipment into the places and spaces where their clients are already spending time- hostels, day-centers and their homes- and will provide information technology training and improved internet access to a group of homeless clients experiencing social exclusion and poor health. Through this programme Thames Reach will support clients to grow in confidence, build social networks and develop the skills they need to return to work. In addition to support with job searches provided in the sessions, learners have also been referred into other Thames Reach services which will support their journey into work. Thames Reach would like to thank the WCIT Charity and WCIT members for their ongoing support – the project is v