Plans to model the knock-on benefits associated with digital inclusion work by councils
The Local Government Association, a membership organisation for councils in the UK, is planning new research into the ‘multiplier effect’ of digital inclusion work. The research will show how building digital inclusion capacity generates wider benefits, such as avoided costs and better resident outcomes. It aims to build an economic model that councils can use in everything from business cases to governance discussions.
Local Government AssociationImpact report from charity Good Things Foundation
Charity the Good Things Foundation has published a report on the impact of their work over the last three years. It includes data from their programmes the National Digital Inclusion Network, Databank, and Device Bank. It also features case studies from Birmingham, Blaenau Gwent, Gloucestershire and elsewhere.
Good Things Foundation‘It matters a great deal’: New report on the impact of digital inclusion for young carers
Charity the Digital Poverty Alliance has published a new impact report on its Tech4YoungCarers programme. Based in Cambridgeshire, the programme saw 100 young carers aged 14 to 25 provided with devices and other support. Participants reported that they were more able to complete schoolwork and develop employment-related skills, and experienced lower stress and more time for helping at home. The report includes policy recommendations.
Digital Poverty AllianceCheck out these new government-funded projects
A number of charities and local authorities have announced more on their plans under the government’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund (DIIF). The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published its list of successful applicants in December. Find out more about some of the projects in the sections below.
Gov.ukDIIF-funded project: Getting older Haringey residents online
London’s Haringey Council has received funding to help more residents over 60 get online. The project will also include research to guide best-practice digital inclusion initiatives.
Haringey Local CouncilDIIF-funded project: ‘Access for All’ in Wigan
Wigan Council has received funding to launch its Access for All programme, which will deliver hundreds of devices, alongside data connectivity and tailored skills support.
Wigan CouncilDIIF-funded project: Digital inclusion for older residents in Westminster
Age UK Westminster has received funding to launch Digital Together – a new project aimed at reducing digital exclusion and improving digital confidence among older residents in Westminster.
Age UKDIIF-funded project: Tackling digital poverty for families in temporary accommodation
Digital inclusion charity Jangala and P3 Charity, an organisation focused on housing, have received funding to provide free Wi-Fi for 450 households living in temporary accommodation in the Midlands.
JangalaDIIF-funded project: ‘Get Oldham Working’
Oldham Council has received funding for its ‘Get Oldham Working’ programme, to support the creation of two digital inclusion hubs as well as a mobile digital hub, providing devices and support across the borough.
Oldham CouncilDIIF-funded project: Digital hubs for older LGBTQ+ people across Yorkshire
LGBTQ+ charity Out Together and digital health platform Patient.info have received funding to develop digital inclusion hubs and support services for older LGBTQ+ people across Yorkshire.
Out TogetherDIIF-funded project: Using behaviour systems mapping to understand digital exclusion
Research organisation DG Cities has been funded to trial the use of what it calls ‘behavioural systems mapping’ to tackle digital exclusion. It is mapping barriers to digital exclusion for over 60s, and is already two-thirds of the way through the project - so this link includes some early findings.
DG Cities
