Gifting scheme to support digital inclusion

A pilot scheme is giving residents access to digital devices so they can get online.

The Council is helping those who would otherwise face barriers to connecting online due to lack of access, affordability or digital skills.

Up to December 2024, 79 devices such as mobile phones and tablets, have been gifted to voluntary and community service organisations and individuals.

Those benefitting include One Ummah Community CIC. It supports women, children and families who have settled in Wakefield by improving their access to services and boosting their confidence in navigating a new culture.

The group made a successful application for devices to support their clients to access services online.

Amaina Elzoubir, Director of Volunteers, said: “The gifted tablets were fantastic. We were able to help fill out over 50 forms every Friday at our regular support session at Quaker House with our women. This prevented a lot of individuals from having to wait or return home without assistance. Having these tablets also makes it easier for our kids to complete their homework on time.”  

The Council scheme focuses on supporting people who are most likely to experience digital exclusion, including older people, people with disabilities, individuals living in rural areas, and those whose first language is not English.

Residents who may be eligible can be referred to the scheme by frontline Council services, such as libraries and Step-Up, the employment and skills service.

The pilot is an important step towards reducing digital poverty across the district. Practical support, combined with the access to devices, is creating opportunities for residents to be more connected and included in their community.

A digital skills support pack helps people learn to use their devices confidently and safely. This support will make sure that skills gaps or knowledge barriers do not prevent individuals from making the most of their new devices.

Each device comes with a sim card that contains 40GB of mobile data, unlimited calls, and unlimited texts for six months provided by the Good Things Foundation National Databank.