CREATING A DIGITAL CHRISTMAS SPARKLE WITH COMMUNITY HUB

MEMBERS of an innovative digital and creative skills hub are inviting members of the public to join them for festive fun in the run up to Christmas.

Framescape -  a digital community founded by the award winning Daniel Waterman from Carse & Waterman and Eric Greswell of Popcorn Learning Media - is hosting two free drop-in sessions for those looking to create their own unique Christmas card designs for loved ones.

Computer equipment and guidance on using technology to create designs will be available from members of Framecape at both locations and attendees can take their Christmas cards away with them for free.

The project is one of many in which Framescape are working with Wavemaker CIC as part of their DigitALL consortium - a City-wide digital inclusion initiative funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - which was awarded to Stoke-on-Trent City Council earlier this year and shared amongst eight local organisations.

To lead the Framescape projects Lorna Lakin has joined the team through Unitemps at Staffordshire University as their new Community Lead.

Lorna said: “I was delighted to join Framescape at such an exciting time and being able to help with such amazing projects which are all to help others learn and benefit from digital skills.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the people of Stoke-on-Trent to our Createch Christmas Card sessions, which are going to be so much fun.

“There will be a festive touch with mince pies and we will be helping visitors to learn how to use online tools as well as being creative with their own designs. Anyone can come along and we cannot wait to see what everyone creates.”

Sessions will take place at Hanley City Centre Library 10am-12pm and Stoke-on-Trent College 1pm-3pm, on Wednesday 20 December.

Daniel Waterman said: “We were thrilled when Lorna was able to join us and to be able to work with Wavemaker on their DigitALL programme is amazing. They do incredible things in the City and the consortium has so many great organisations involved to increase digital inclusion. To be able to collaborate in showcasing opportunities which are available through the digital and creative sector is so important now and for the future.

“We have already been working with local schools and colleges this year and have had some amazing feedback in which one group of students wanted to create their own digital hub - which is brilliant.”

Daniel adds: “Digital opportunities are everywhere and as we look ahead to 2024, we wanted to do something within the local community and that’s why we have launched our Christmas Card sessions. These are perfect for visitors to not only be creative, but to take advantage of freely available software.

“We are really looking forward to seeing all of the designs and just want to say to anyone who would like to come along - enjoy it and let’s create some magical Christmas sparkle together.”

Bookings are not required for the Createch Christmas Card sessions taking place on Wednesday 20 December, at Hanley City Centre Library 10am-12pm and Stoke-on-Trent College 1pm-3pm.

For more information about Framescape visit www.framescapeedu.co.uk/events