Case study: Staying Connected Digital Inclusion Project

What is the Staying Connected Digital Inclusion Project?

Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham were awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for the Staying Connected Digital Inclusion Project, to remove barriers to information technology that can disadvantage older people. Through this project, Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham aim to address digital exclusion and increase the number of local residents who have the skills and confidence to use technology and get online. Today, digital skills can help older Londoners with everyday living, from booking a doctors appointment to ordering your food shopping. The Government’s digital by default agenda means that digital skills are even more important for those everyday activities, from managing and claiming benefits to paying for car and council tax.

Why is the Staying Connected Project so important?

Many of us use digital technology without even realising it, while others are missing out on its benefits without even knowing it. In Hammersmith and Fulham, an estimated 12% of residents (20,497 people) have never used the internet and this is just one of the areas  Age UK Hammersmith & Fulham aim to tackle through this project. They are committed to providing the necessary skills to “digitally include” and empower older people who can be disconnected from the modern digital world. Having digital skills will assist in the fight against reducing loneliness and isolation, whilst improving communication, health and wellbeing, and providing access to information and services across the borough.

To find out more about Age UK London’s Mind the Digital Gap campaign, please click here.