The best digital inclusion resources for people and organisations

Check out the digital inclusion hub!

 

Not everyone has equal access to the benefits of the digital world, and that’s a huge problem. People from any background and age group can be digitally excluded – and for a number of different reasons. A lack of meaningful access to the internet makes it difficult to find and use essential services and information, results in exclusion from online society, undermines ability to stay in touch with friends and family, and creates barriers to work and education.

 

Whether you are looking for support for yourself or a loved one, are trying to make your organisation’s online presence more inclusive, or wish to join the network of charities, companies, and public sector bodies working on the cause, this page has the resources for you.

 

 

Support for people

 

Skip to: How can I get help in my local community?

Skip to: Who can help me access the internet and devices?

Skip to: How can I make my devices more accessible to me?

Skip to: How can I improve my digital skills and confidence?

Skip to: How can I look after the wellbeing and safety of myself and others online?

 

 

Resources for organisations

 

Skip to: What is digital inclusion and what does it mean for my organisation?

Skip to: What is the latest digital inclusion news and research?

Skip to: How can I work with others on digital inclusion?

Skip to: How can I make sure my organisation’s digital presence is accessible to everyone?

Skip to: How can I safeguard the digital wellbeing and safety of my organisation’s stakeholders?

Skip to: How is the public sector working on digital inclusion?

 

 

 

Support for people

 

If you or someone you know needs a device, access to the internet, or help feeling more confident online, look through the resources below. This section also includes resources to help make devices more accessible, as well as information about how to participate safely online and improve inclusion for everyone.

 

 

How can I get help in my local community?

 

• Good Things Foundation – Find local digital inclusion support
• Citizens Online – Help for people
• Digital Poverty Alliance – Directory for support

 

 

Who can help me access the internet and devices?

 

• Good Things Foundation – National Databank
• Good Things Foundation – National Device Bank
• Digital Poverty Alliance – Tech4Families
• Digital Poverty Alliance – Schools Donation Management Service

 

 

How can I make my devices more accessible to me?

 

• AbilityNet – My Computer My Way
• AbilityNet – Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations
• Scope – Phone accessibility settings
• RNIB – Computer accessibility
• Sense – Technology, mobility aids and devices

 

 

How can I improve my digital skills and confidence?

 

• Good Things Foundation – Learn My Way
• Lloyds Bank Academy – Free learning to boost skills and confidence
• Age UK – Making the most of the internet
• Manchester Digital Collective – Free Online Digital Skills Courses
• National Careers Service – The Skills Toolkit

 

 

How can I look after the wellbeing and safety of myself and others online?

 

• National Cyber Security Centre – Information for individuals and families
• NSPCC – Keeping children safe online
• Refuge – Secure your tech
• Glitch – Resources
• Stonewall – Staying safe online
• Mind – Looking after your mental health online
• Full Fact
• UK Government – SHARE checklist
• Girls Who Code  

 

 

Resources for organisations

 

Organisations of all kinds have a part to play in digital inclusion. This involves actions such as ensuring your website is accessible to all users, safeguarding users through cyber security, and improving stakeholders’ access to devices and the internet. Find all the resources you need below.

 

 

What is digital inclusion and what does it mean for my organisation?

 

• United Nations Roundtable on Digital Inclusion
• International Telecommunications Union – Digital Inclusion of All
• Good Things Foundation – The Digital Divide
• The Wildlife Trust – Content Seeds: Digital Bitesize
• The London Office of Technology and Innovation – Designing a Digital Inclusion Service
• Citizens Online – Digital Champions
• Digital Poverty Alliance – Consultancy

 

 

What is the latest digital inclusion news and research?

 

• Digital Poverty Alliance – Blog
• Digital Poverty Alliance Directory for Research and Insights
• Good Things Foundation – Insights
• Consumer Data Research Centre – The Great British Geography of Internet use and Engagement
• UNESCO – Digital Inclusion
• Ofcom – Digital exclusion research
• Lloyds Bank – UK Consumer Digital Index 2023
• Girls Who Code – Research
• Glitch – Research

 

 

How can I work with others on digital inclusion?

 

• Digital Poverty Alliance – Global Community Hub
• Good Things Foundation – National Digital Inclusion Network
• Manchester Digital Collective – Join the Collective

 

 

How can I make sure my organisation’s digital presence is accessible to everyone?

 

• GOV.UK – Understanding the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
• W3C Web Accessibility Initiative – Making the Web Accessible
• The A11y Project
• AbilityNet – Working together: Charities and Organisations
• Scope – Scope supports businesses with disability inclusion

 

 

How can I safeguard the digital wellbeing and safety of my organisation’s stakeholders?

 

• National Cyber Security Centre – Information for small and medium sized organisations
• National Cyber Security Centre – Information for large organisations
• Glitch – Our services
• British Red Cross – Digital empowerment of refugee women
• Full Fact
• UK Government – SHARE checklist

 

 

How is the public sector working on digital inclusion?

 

• NHS Digital – What we mean by digital inclusion
• NHS Digital – Digital inclusion for health and social care
• NHS England – Inclusive digital healthcare: a framework for NHS action on digital inclusion
• Digital Health & Care Scotland – Digital Inclusion
• Policy Paper – Government Digital Inclusion Strategy
• Local Government Association – Four essential steps for delivering digital inclusion projects and initiatives

 

 

Find out more

 

Our 2024 Digital Inclusion Summit revealed how charities can help can make the digital world a safer, happier, more inclusive place, from improving access to digital devices to demystifying cyber security. Click here to watch the session recordings for free.

 

Our report, ‘Digital inclusion in the UK charity sector’, uncovers charity practitioners’ attitudes towards digital inclusion, including the challenges charities face in reaching out to service users and how they are making the most of the digital technology they use. Click the link in the orange box below to download the report.

 

Our Digital Inclusion Hub features regular articles, podcasts, and webinars to help charities reach across the digital divide. Click here to learn more.