Online cultural events can benefit lonely older people, study shows
Digital inclusion might not be a priority for colleagues in the arts and culture sector. This article discusses how you can frame your conversation differently to help them see the importance of the issue.
The GuardianBeing online in your 80s: waste of time or lifeline?
New report from Re-engage on older people’s use of and attitudes towards the internet, focusing specifically on people aged 75+. The article discusses the importance of designing meaningful interventions that will engage older people, as well as ensuring support is embedded in places and services where people already have trusted relationships.
Re-engageMeasuring the digital divide among people with severe mental ill health using the essential digital skills framework
This academic research and report seeks to understand whether people with severe mental ill health (SMI) have the necessary digital skills to adapt to these changes and avoid digital exclusion. It concludes that a significant portion of people with SMI lacked foundation skills, pointing to a high risk for digital exclusion and the need for focused policy and tailored health sector support.
SAGE JournalsAlmost 6 million UK households ‘struggling to pay telecoms bills’
Which UK analysed Ofcom data and found that 3.5 million homes reduced spending on other essential items such as food and clothes in April to afford their telecoms bills. Council teams leading digital inclusion could support organisations tackling the cost-of-living crisis to register with the National Databank from Good Things Foundation.
The GuardianCharities underpin the UK’s social safety net as cost-of-living crisis bites
Financial Times article discussing the pressures that charities are under. This is an important issue for any councils that are working with charities to deliver digital inclusion interventions. It discusses the need to align digital inclusion to the existing priorities of those organisations so that it’s not presented as ‘extra work’ for charities who are already stretched.
The Financial Times
