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Broadplaces strapline getting rural people connectedSomerset Broadplaces Project 

 

In autumn 2006, the Community Council for Somerset joined forces with the "Connecting Somerset Partnership" to develop a two-year broadband project for rural communities. The project aimed to improve access to rural services by increasing the availability of broadband facilities and providing computer equipment and training. It also helped to add a further dimension to community buildings and rural businesses.

 

The project began with a pilot phase (four communities) then was subsequently rolled out to an additional 10 communities. During the course of the project 371 individuals each received 6 hours formal training. We understand that many more are reaping the benefits from the equipment which was installed, providing an ongoing and valuable resource.

 

What was initially a two-phase project has now been extended to involve a review phase. The Community Council for Somerset has tasked Katherine Armstrong  with assessing how each "broadplace community" has made use of the facilities and training and whether there are additional ways in which we can support them. This type of focused, community development support is proving vital to some. We hope that by November 2008 Katherine will have completed her review of the project as well as provided support to all those communities in need.

 

The project was originally modelled after two other IT initiatives (Shropshire and West Somerset) and would not have been possible without the generous financial support of Connecting Somerset, the Somerset Rural Renaissance Funding Programme and South Somerset District Council. We would also like to acknowledge the dedication and support from local IT company CETSAT (which was instrumental in helping to achieve the project's objectives). Now other rural IT projects in the South West (including Connecting Dorset and Devon) are benefitting from our experience.

 

With funding currently due to end in November 2008 we have no further plans to continue this work. However, we will maintain contact with the fourteen communities involved and wish them every success as they continue to flourish.

 

To find out more information contact us