Getting the most vulnerable online during COVID-19

UPDATE

Thank you so, so much. We’ve been absolutely blown away by your support over the past few days. Your donations will help to provide devices and data to some of the most vulnerable families in the UK through our Everyone Connected scheme.

This pandemic has exposed and exacerbated digital exclusion across the UK. 9 million adults in the UK cannot use the internet independently, 11.7 million people lack the essential digital skills needed to use the internet, there are 11.5 million people without a smartphone, and 1 in 6 adults can’t open an app. With this level of digital exclusion it’s clear we’re facing a public emergency.

We’ve also seen significant issues within education. Roughly 1-in-4 of the poorest households with children do not have access to a device at home which is appropriate for remote learning, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop. Thousands of children are now relying on donations, like yours, to provide them with the equipment they need to learn from home. 

Digital inclusion is no longer a nice-to-have, but a need-to-have. People urgently need access (devices, connectivity), digital skills and support. The Government has pledged billions of pounds to provide the country with gigabit-capable broadband, but people will not be able to use this infrastructure without digital skills or personal devices.

The support you’ve shown for our campaign this week has been phenomenal – allowing us to provide thousands more people with devices, data and support. However, with demand still outstripping supply, we can do more. 

Can you help us reach £50k by sharing this campaign? To help spread the word please share our Crowdfunder page with your friends and family: t.co/7v4pO0XXIE?amp=1  

One of the people who has benefitted from your generosity and received support is James, who received a tablet and data through our scheme. With help from one of our community partners and his family, he’s been able to get online and stay connected throughout lockdown. You can read his story here. 

Thank you!