Meet the New ONSIDE Evolution Team!
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OUr ONSIDE Evolution Team!
Following the remarkable success of the original ONSIDE project back in 2022, we are thrilled to announce ONSIDE Evolution starting this September!
For those who may not be familiar, ONSIDE (Outreach, Navigation, Social Inclusion and Digital Engagement) was a transformative cross-border initiative that supported over 2,000 disabled people across Northern Ireland and the border regions, helping to reduce social isolation through community connections and digital skills training. The project left a lasting impact on the lives of participants, many of whom described the experience as genuinely life-changing.
Now, that work is set to continue and grow through ONSIDE Evolution – a project which will reach 5,800 beneficiaries across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, more than doubling the reach of the original programme.
What Will ONSIDE Evolution Deliver?
Led by Disability Action NI, and delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Independent Living Movement Ireland, and Supporting Communities, the project will tackle social and digital exclusion among disabled people and their carers.
Supporting Communities will be providing the digital skills training side of the project, and we are so thrilled to introduce you to the brilliant new team we’ve put together to help participants make the most of technology in ways that suit them.
Meet the Training Team!
Stef MCKillop
Stephanie McKillop, Project Coordinator
You may recognise this face!
Stef has been working to deliver essential digital skills with Supporting Communities for nearly 14 years. She has now stepped up to manage a whole team of trainers and to ensure ONSIDE Evolution is delivered as planned.
Stef brings a bundle of energy and enthusiasm to everything she does – including baking delicious treats for all the team.
We’re all sure to turn up for her meetings!
Patrick Magill
Patrick Magill, Digital Inclusion Officer
Patrick is an absolute fountain of techy knowledge; just try to stump him with a tough question!
His interests are wide and varied though, beyond technology. He says he enjoys science, animals, nature, cooking, and just learning new things!
At the moment, he is experimenting with the wonders of fermentation and has been making pineapple, mint, and chilli kombucha. Sounds delicious?
If you want to learn something new, Patrick is ready to help!
Carolyn Beattie (and Cat😊)
Carolyn Beattie, Digital Inclusion Officer
Carolyn is a bubbly, outgoing Portadownian who loves trying new things and having new experiences. She likes hitting the gym, hiking and anything that involves travel and exploration.
A big animal lover, she has three rescue cats at home and is trying not to let that number increase too much!
Carolyn comes to us from an education background and plans to use her teaching experience to support the ONSIDE participants in expanding their digital skills.
She says she’s super excited for a new adventure promoting inclusion and access for all through ONSIDE Evolution!
Tara O’Hagan
Tara O’Hagan, Digital Inclusion Officer
Tara has been with us for a few years already as an associate, working on different projects and is now looking forward to seeing the positive difference she can make through ONSIDE.
Outside of work, she loves travelling with her family and exploring new places, especially ones with a great beach or an interesting museum.
When she’s at home in Lurgan, Tara enjoys going to the gym or getting stuck into a good book.
Gemma Capparelli (Cold In Norway!)
Gemma Capparelli, Digital Inclusion Officer
Gemma says she loves travelling to cold places, being by the sea and horror films – maybe all three at once?
She feels strongly that everyone should have equal access to the online world, so this project is right up her street!
Oh, and she’s from Belfast but lived in the USA for 10 years, so you might detect a slight twang ;-)
Colin Patton
Colin Patton, Digital Inclusion Officer
Colin is returning to us having worked on the first ONSIDE project, and we’re delighted to have him back. He says he enjoys helping others develop digital skills, making technology more accessible, and empowering people to use digital tools with greater confidence in their everyday lives.
He enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors. Ask him about building his own greenhouse - he’s learned a lot as a result and is growing a wider variety of plants this year!
The whole team is now hard at work preparing materials for the first ONSIDE Evolution participants. We’ll have more information on how you can get involved when the project officially launches very soon!
