As more and more of everyday life goes online, experts are warning that a huge number of residents are being left behind. Recognising this huge issue, many charities and local organisations are stepping in to provide digital inclusion support to help those who cannot afford or don’t feel able to adapt to a more digital lifestyle. 

 

We've partnered with the connectivity experts at Bionic to reveal that nearly 1 in 5 adults lack the most basic digital skills needed for everyday life, with over 1 in 20 households having no internet access, neither fixed line nor mobile. 

 

The experts at Bionic also conducted a study and have looked at the number of digital inclusion services provided across the UK, compared to their population and sizes retrospectively. 

 

The Keeping Digital Foundation run six Digital Cafes (digital inclusion services) across the city of York, with two of them providing digital skills workshops and all six of them providing Databank services, plus we are set to launch more in 2024! 

With an incredible 193 digital inclusion services, Manchester continues to take the lead as the most digitally inclusive city in the UK, supporting residents to get online and access vital digital services. 

 

Surprisingly, whilst London did have a larger number of digital inclusion services when taking into account the population of the capital, London failed to rank with fewer services per person. 

 

Coventry follows Manchester with 61 digital inclusion services and is then followed by Bangor, Newcastle, Birmingham, Liverpool, Worcester, York, Bradford and Hull making the top ten. 

 

David Thompson, Volunteer Coordinator at the Keeping Digital Foundation, praised the findings of this study: "With banks shutting and many of our services now being online first, it's left many residents who cannot use technology behind. We're all about providing a choice when it comes to getting online, and we're proud to see our progress recognised. 

 

"With six Digital Cafes having opened across the city of York in the past year, all of which providing the Databank support service, we've made it even easier for York residents to get free support when it comes to getting online. No resident should be left behind, so whether a resident wants support in learning how to use an email, to more challenging topics like paying bills online, our volunteers are available to help at a Digital Cafe near them. Our Databank service then allows eligible residents to get support when it comes to their mobile phone bill, providing free data to those who need it most and ensuring they can get online and stay connected. We're also proud members of Digital Friendly York, a partnership of organisations which aims to give residents in York the choice and opportunity to get online and know where to access help when they need it. 

 

"This study from Bionic highlights the amazing work happening in York to support our local residents, and also highlights the dedication from our volunteers as we've grown this amazing network. To have York recognised in the top 10 cities in the whole country is truly an amazing achievement." 

 

Les Roberts, connectivity expert at Bionic, comment on the findings: 

 

“Our study highlights the pivotal role of digital inclusion support in building a more connected society. The fact that Manchester, Coventry, and Bangor have all emerged as the top three cities for digital inclusion in the UK is undoubtedly thanks to the hard work of local charities and organisations in their areas, showcasing their commitment to bridging the digital divide. 

 

“However, the study also highlights the urgency for a nationwide approach to digital inclusion. While it's encouraging to see progress in certain areas, it underscores the necessity to extend these efforts to every corner of the country. Digital inclusion is not just a matter of convenience; it's an important aspect of everyday life, and can have huge implications for people’s access to education, employment, and even combating loneliness.”