Supporting ‘digitally excluded’ people to get online – and get on in life

A long-term piece of work aimed at helping people without digital devices, internet connections or digital skills to get online has been launched in Blackburn with Darwen.

In the coming months, Blackburn with Darwen Council and its partners will be taking forward a range of key actions to support those residents who are digitally excluded.

Activity will be aimed at enabling people who don’t currently operate online – or have limited access – to get on the internet, access usable digital devices and build their skills and confidence to access information and digital services.

The Council and its partners will also continue to work collaboratively to ensure there is suitable digital inclusion support for everyone who lives, works, studies, or does business in Blackburn with Darwen, as well as developing opportunities for volunteers to support digital inclusion across the borough.

The first phase of this exciting project has seen a new leaflet – Digital Support For All – produced and shared with local stakeholders and Council partners who support residents with lower levels of digital skills. Packed with information about help to get online, the leaflet signposts people to the local organisations and support services that can help them to:

• Access digital devices like tablets and phones, plus SIM cards and data
• Use public access computers and WiFi
• Access cheaper broadband tariffs and phone packages
• Develop their digital skills – and grow their confidence
• Learn about staying safe online.

In an increasingly digital world, it’s important to have the skills to get online, however for some people in Blackburn with Darwen, there are significant barriers: no access to digital devices, the cost of an internet connection, or limited ability or confidence.

Being ‘digitally excluded’ can prevent people from:

• Accessing health and care services
• Finding work and training opportunities
• Making good educational progress
• Connecting with friends and family
• Managing income and finances
• Getting better deals when buying goods and services.

National research shows that people over the age of 65 are eight times more like to be digitally excluded, and people living in low-income households are four times more likely. People from ethnic minority backgrounds are also one and a half times more likely to be digitally excluded. People with disabilities are also at greater risk of being digitally excluded.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

In our current corporate plan, we’ve made a commitment to ensure that no one in Blackburn with Darwen is left behind. This includes helping people with no digital skills or low digital confidence to get on in our increasingly digital world by accessing essential information and services online.

We know that a lack of digital skills and online access can have a hugely negative impact on people’s lives, leading to poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, and reduced access to jobs and education. People who are digitally excluded may also pay more for essentials, experience financial exclusion, and be at an increased risk of experiencing poverty.

The work we are undertaking around digital inclusion is about giving more people opportunities to get online and engage with essential information and services to help them get on in life – which I see as a real priority for this borough.

We’re working with a range of local partners to support people in a variety of ways on this long-term project to increase digital literacy in the borough.

Vicky Shepherd is the Chief Executive of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen which is a key partner in the borough’s Digital Inclusion project. Vicky added:

I’m delighted to be in a position to chair the Blackburn with Darwen Digital Inclusion Network which will be key to driving forward our plans to tackle the inequality that exists between people who operate confidently online and those who are digitally excluded.

At this stage of the project we’re asking anyone who works with people who are struggling to get online to tell them about the help and support that is available through support services and organisations in Blackburn with Darwen. You can request copies of the leaflet to share with your contacts, or support them to take up the offer of help.

An online directory of support services is available: www.blackburn.gov.uk/digital-support-directory