Digital Support Derbyshire has compiled these resources by researching, curating and summarising the information provided by the UK’s leading Digital Inclusion Charities, Organisations and Researchers. A list of useful resources and websites can be found at the end of this page. 

Why is Digital Inclusion is so important?

The Good Things Foundation states that Digital Exclusion is a social issue.

Poor digital skills and limited access to the internet can have a negative impact on a person’s life. It can limit an individual’s access to  health, social and community services, which in turn affects their physical and mental wellbeing and increases social isolation and loneliness. Digital exclusion also reduces access to jobs and education, limiting opportunities and life chances.

Not being able to get online, can also mean that individuals and families pay more for everyday essentials, including food and utilities. Furthermore, without access to the internet, banking and financial transactions become increasingly difficult, exacerbating financial exclusion and increasing the risk of experiencing poverty. And with more government services and democratic platforms moving online, people who are digitally excluded are losing the ability to be involved, heard and suitably supported.

Unsurprisingly, it’s those who are already at a disadvantage – because of their age, education, income, disability, or unemployment – who are most likely to be missing out digitally. This only serves to further widen the social inequality gap.

Digital Champions and Digital Inclusion Projects are already providing valuable support to many Derbyshire residents, but there is still much more to be done. We can all do something to help, big or small. If you are not sure where to start, these resources might give you a few ideas.

Setting Up a Digital Inclusion Project

Digital Champions Recruitment Guide

Digital Champion Handbook

Digital Champion Training Guide

Digital Champion Training Checklist

Cyber Security & Online Safety

Using a Shared Device Safely and Securely

Managing money safely

Useful Websites and Resources

• One Digital - Provides Useful information about how to set up a Digital Inclusion Project and the different types of Digital Champion https://www.onedigitaluk.com/   
• The Good Things Foundation https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/
• Citizen’s Online https://www.citizensonline.org.uk/
• Citizen’s Online Webinar – Starting a Digital Inclusion Project
• Citizen’s Online Events – webinars about Digital Inclusion and how to get involved
• The Online Centres Network – free to join and provide toolkits and handbooks on setting up a digital project and delivering digital skills https://www.onlinecentresnetwork.org/resources
• Digital Unite https://www.digitalunite.com/
• The Digital Poverty Alliance https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/
• Ability Net - free online resources and a network of volunteers help individuals with any disability, of any age, to use all kinds of digital technology. https://abilitynet.org.uk/
• The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations – have created a number of resources to support Digital Champions and organisations who want to support digital inclusion. https://scvo.scot/support/digital/guides/digital-inclusion  https://scvo.scot/support/digital/guides/digital-champions
• The Digital Venue Toolkit https://www.hwrcc.org.uk/downloads/Digital_Venue_Toolkit_Art_Digital01.pdf
• The Digital Inclusion Kit https://digitalinclusionkit.org/
• Learn My Way https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/learn/learn-my-way/
• Make it Click  https://makeitclick.learnmyway.com/directory
• Digital 4 Everyone https://digital4everyone.co.uk/

 

Funding Information for Digital Projects