How We Did It: Bridging the digital divide – keeping communities connected

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Bridging the digital divide is essential for local authorities striving to create inclusive and thriving communities. Addressing digital literacy challenges empowers individuals to better access opportunities and engage with local and broader initiatives that impact their lives. Increasing digital accessibility and competence not only supports individuals’ agency but also strengthens community connections and participation.

At this session we will hear from Nicol McConnell, who is working with her team to develop Sunderland’s Go Online (GO) Programme, which is designed to make Sunderland a city that is fully digitally inclusive.  This means that everyone, who chooses to, can go online.  Aiming to provides access to the internet, digital devices and accessible digital services, building motivation, trust and confidence.

We will explore the nuts and bolts of the Digital Health Hubs project (which is part of the Go Online Programme), how they started by installing the digital analytics tools to help them show impact, through to working with Tech Mate volunteers, as well as multi agency specialists to undertake social prescribing through the Hubs. 

We will focus on practical delivery and provide you with vital takeaways for your work, including answers to the questions: 

• What are the key barriers that need addressing to enable communities to engage
• How do you tackle the inequalities of access to digital services as well as the skills needed to encourage the community to get involved in using digital tools and services?
• What is the impact of embedding this work into communities?

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