New pilot device gifting scheme aims to remove digital exclusion barriers within the district
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Wakefield Council has launched a new pilot scheme to help make sure that every resident across the district has the opportunity to access a digital device.
Digital exclusion can be experienced when people do not have the right devices, connectivity or skills. As a result of these barriers, some individuals can be excluded from the opportunities available digitally to improve their day-to-day life, health and wellbeing and to maintain their independence.
“Being digitally excluded - whether because of a lack of device access, internet access, a lack of digital literacy, or other barriers - marginalises people.
“We want to play our part in reducing digital poverty and helping all our residents to be digitally included. This project is just one of the ways we’re improving digital inclusion and is an important part of our wider digital inclusion strategy.”
Cllr Les Shaw
Cabinet Member for Resources
The pilot digital device gifting scheme will gift just over 200 ex-council devices with 40gb of data, unlimited calls and texts for six months, via referral, to people experiencing digital exclusion. Good Things Foundation have provided the SIM cards through the national data bank.
A Good Things Foundation spokesperson said: "We're delighted to support Wakefield Council with this important new pilot scheme serviced through our National Databank offer.
“Internet access is essential in today’s society, and yet 2 million households have no home internet, and 2.4 million can't afford a mobile phone contract. This lack of access often worsens the lives of vulnerable people facing other inequalities.
“Like a food bank but for mobile data, the National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet, helping to fix the digital divide for good."
A comprehensive pack of digital skills support, including how to be safe online, will also be provided as part of the gifting interaction to tackle any skills and knowledge barriers.
There are nine nationally recognised cohorts at risk of digital exclusion which the Council will be working with, including older people, people with disabilities, those living in rural areas and people whose first language is not English.
Those eligible will be referred to the scheme from frontline Council services, including libraries and Step Up. It will also be open to VCSE organisations who would benefit from a public device to support those who use their services.