VITAL
(Voluntary sector Information Technology Advice & Local support)
An ICT Social Enterprise
VITAL evolved from a VAMT Circuit Riders project which was delivering free ICT technical support to the third sector. Unfortunately, as happens with most funded posts, it was looking very unlikely that further funding was going to be received to continue providing the service, which has been an ongoing issue for some years. Groups and organisations would consequently loose their local ICT support officer and would have to either pay via the Private sector, which in some cases they could not afford, or ask a friend of a friend to try and fix the problem. On both occasions this can be very frustrating for the individuals concerned, and instead of ICT being an asset to the organisation it becomes more of a burden.
It was agreed that a more sustainable service was required, and shortly after, a proposal was put forward to the VAMT Board to fund an 18 month ICT Social Enterprise pilot, which thankfully was agreed. The Social Enterprise started in November 2008 and will hopefully continue long into the future, delivering local ICT support, advice and website development services to the third sector.
Present Day
At present VITAL provide ICT support to voluntary groups and organisations across the Merthyr Tydfil borough, including training, website development, technical support, purchasing advice and much more via our ICT Development Officer.
Derek Emanuel took up this post in July 2007 and is based at the Voluntary Action Centre. Derek has several years experience within the ICT industry and will look forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with any voluntary groups and organisations who would like any help.
The aim of the ICT Support Service is to provide help and information to any voluntary and community groups who are either new to the computer world, or who wish to learn more and improve their groups’ use of ICT . Technology can be used in many ways to improve a group’s efficiency and how they operate and communicate. We can help groups to look at ways in which they can use ICT to expand and grow.
If you are a voluntary or community group/organisation and required any further informatiom please contact Derek Emanuel on 01685 353914, e-mail Derek Emanuel or visit the ICT website at www.vital.uk.net.
Future plans...
Our plans for the future are simple... to provide a professional, reliable and affordable complete ICT service to the third sector for the foreseeable future.
