To celebrate Digital Inclusion week, we’ve taken the opportunity to highlight some of the initiatives that are ongoing across London.
The Good Things Foundation is a key player in promoting digital inclusion, offering funding opportunities through its Activation Grants and Digital Inclusion Capacity Grants. These grants support both new and existing digital hubs in building the capacity to enhance their existing digital inclusion initiatives. Grants of up to £6,000 are available to help local groups who support residents in being able to use their devices.
The London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) has several ongoing initiatives. It was set up by the Mayor of London to understand the complex reasons behind why someone might become digitally excluded and identifying ways in which London’s boroughs can support their residents in getting online.LOTI’s funding comes primarily from its borough members, with each borough contributing £30,000 annually. Much of LOTI’s initial research, including the creation of a digital exclusion map, was conducted with five boroughs: Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Barnet, and Southwark. This map can be filtered to identify digitally excluded groups, such as older residents, allowing targeted interventions.
In May 2023, an additional £1.3 million was committed by Mayor Sadiq Khan to support the Get Online project, which aims to provide affordable access to digital tools and connectivity. This funding supplements LOTI’s ongoing work, which includes distributing SIM cards to those without reliable internet access. LOTI is now looking to explore device recycling initiatives, to increase access to affordable technology, while ensuring London remains a sustainable city.
Southwark Council’s digital inclusion strategy for 2022-2025 draws on “The Power of Partnerships”. The council hosts an Essential Skills Digital Inclusion Working Group every six weeks. This group brings together private sector partners and local organizations to share best practices and develop joint solutions for digital inclusion in the borough. They are working to offer targeted support to vulnerable groups identified in the digital exclusion map (see above).
Greenwich Council has adopted a creative approach to combating digital exclusion among older adults. In a recent pilot study, the council explored the use of Amazon Echo devices to address loneliness and isolation among residents over the age of 65. The study aimed to assess whether voice-activated technology could provide a meaningful way for seniors to stay connected and engaged, even if they lack advanced digital skills.The pilot program allowed eight residents to use the devices to stay in touch with family and friends and access helpful information.
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