Bridging the Digital Divide: Manchester’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion 

Access to technology is no longer a luxury.

Essential services, entertainment and communication have increasingly moved online. From booking a doctor’s appointment to managing bills – and even staying in touch with loved ones - digital access now underpins almost every aspect of modern society. 

Yet, for many people in Manchester, this vital access remains out of reach. Without the skills, connectivity or resources to get online, residents struggling with digital exclusion find themselves isolated from their communities, unable to fully participate in life in the city.

Residents already impacted by long-standing structural inequalities - including low-income households, people with disabilities, older adults and rural residents – are often disproportionately affected. The consequences are widespread, and include reduced access to essential services, diminished capacity and independence, and social and economic isolation. In short, digital exclusion is social exclusion.

This is what Manchester City Council’s Digital Inclusion Team aims to change.

Our team works across Manchester to ensure that no one is left behind due to lack of connectivity connection, skills, or access. We work collaboratively with community groups, faith groups, housing providers, and health services to identify gaps and solutions that meet people where they are. The actions and efforts of the team are based in equity, empowerment, and the belief that digital inclusion is a fundamental right. When people are digitally connected and capable, they are better equipped to thrive economically, socially and emotionally.

What We’re Doing 

Across Manchester, we’re implementing targeted interventions that address digital exclusion and work to create a more digitally inclusive city.

These include:

• Device redistribution schemes that repurpose donated technology for those in need. We work in partnership with technology refurbishment organisations such as Community Computers to donate usable, supported, and up-to-date devices to communities and individuals. By working with our refurbishment partners we are reducing e-waste and promoting circular economy principles.
  
  We recently collaborated with IT provider Insight to donate over 50 refurbished Samsung A32 smartphones to charitable organisations Young Carers, Care Leavers, The Big Life Group, SPIN, and Manchester Refugee Support Network. The devices will support vulnerable residents to access technology more reliably, and benefit from the opportunities of the online world.  
  
  Partnerships with forward-thinking and social-conscious businesses not only promote digital inclusion, but also contribute to the sustainability of our efforts, ensuring we continue to foster accessibility, connectivity, and positive social impact.   

‘The phones will be a godsend. They will be so useful to our residents. To be able to contact loved ones and access local services will be invaluable’ – Adam from SPIN

• Community-led digital skills programmes that build confidence and capability for Manchester residents. We support volunteer-led digital drop-in sessions in local libraries in Manchester, as well as providing the resources needed for local community organisations and charities to do the same.
   
• Accessible connectivity initiatives that provide free or low-cost internet access. We work to link local partners with the Good Things Foundation National Databank programme, which provides free SIM cards to low-income residents.
   
• Digital Champion training for volunteers and staff in partner organisations. We provide free training to equip individuals who are already supporting others, formally or informally, with the knowledge and confidence to help people navigate the digital world.
   
• Digital health hubs that support patients to easily find digital support in their area, including NHS App help, local drop-in sessions, free WiFi access, and more. The aim of this ongoing project is to raise awareness of available services that are offering the specific support residents may require. Going forward, we will have these infographics set up for all the Manchester wards, as a one-stop-shop for all things digital support.

A Call to Action 

We believe in a fair future where everyone can benefit from advances in digital technology. We are proud of the impact we’ve made so far, but we know there is much more to do.

If you’d like to join us in our mission to make Manchester more digitally equal, here’s how you can get involved: Manchester’s digital future must be inclusive, and we invite you to get involved.  

Here’s how you can get involved:  

• Donate your old tech: Give your organisation’s used laptops, tablets, and smartphones a second life by supporting our redistribution schemes. Every device helps bridge the digital divide. Learn how to donate through Community Computers here: https://www.communitycomputers.co.uk/#help 

• Volunteer your time: Volunteer at digital drop-in sessions across Manchester libraries or offer 1-to-1 support for individuals with specific online needs.

• Refer a community group: If you know a local organisation that could benefit from support in providing digital services, let us know. We’ll get in touch and provide a consultation to explore how we can help.  

To get in touch, contact [email protected] or head to https://manchesterdigitalstrategy.com/lets-get-digital to find out more.  

Together, we can build a city where everyone has the capacity, skills, and confidence to participate fully in the online world. Let’s make digital inclusion a part of our actions every day and a shared responsibility for everyone in Manchester!