We are a digital inclusion non-profit organisation established in 2015 at the request of local community leaders to help combat digital exclusion within the community.
We believe that getting online is a basic human right. Our mission is to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic background, age, or ability, have equitable access to and the necessary skills to effectively use digital technologies and participate fully in the digital world. We currently have 2 Internet Cafes where we offer mentoring in digital etiquette and literacy. 60% of our beneficiaries do not drive, which has led us to secure a third venue in Lower Broughton that is set to open when we secure the funds. We have over 40 computers, printers, and scanners with filters so users can protect themselves from inappropriate content. We have a team of mentors who assist users, teach basic IT skills, and give people the confidence to use them unaided. Our hubs are welcoming places for the general public, especially those who do not have personal Internet access because they can't afford it or due to recovery from Internet addiction.
A large number of our users are from the Orthodox Jewish community. They are a marginalised, hard-to-reach, often unheard ethnic minority. They have been hard hit by the cost-of-living crisis, which has exacerbated existing inequalities. For some, English is their second language. They are a community that has chosen not to have home broadband or smartphones as they feel it would contradict their cultural values. They require a culturally sensitive environment with gender separate areas. 84% of users will not use the computers in the local library as they do not have sufficient protection filters. 74% of users reported they would rather lose out than compromise their cultural values. This results in multiple inequalities. Without our service, users can't apply for benefits, manage finances, access Digital NHS, AskMyGP, or health apps. We are serving a community who have large families (average 6 children or more), and maternity hospital notes are now completely online, leaving parents unable to access their pregnancy information or book appointments. Many users attended faith schools and had no access to further education. We aim to get users signed up for online courses leading to employment opportunities and financial inclusion. We mentor in online budgeting tools, digital payment systems, and accessing job agencies. We help people apply for social welfare benefits and housing assistance, fill out forms, pay bills, and make online purchases, which are usually cheaper. Users are socially included through Zoom and social media platforms and can access online entertainment for relaxation and fun. We want our community to have a voice in political discussions and be up-to-date with current affairs. We want to ensure that no one is left behind. We aim to lessen the digital divide, level the playing field, and remove the barriers to stability and success in all areas of life.
Our organisation is run by a team of 3 dedicated trustees, 17 volunteers, and 3 staff members, including an IT specialist. Our management team consists of individuals who are deeply embedded in the community and have a thorough understanding of the cultural needs of the diverse individuals we serve. Our leadership includes a Rabbi who works daily with community members facing the challenges of digital exclusion and the resulting poverty. He supports families in dealing with the negative side effects of unfiltered internet use among teens and adults. He has seen firsthand its devastating effects on individuals and family life. He is passionate about providing local facilities that ensure the community stays safe and included. The trustees are successful businessmen with many years of experience managing charitable teams, leading successful projects, and organising fundraising events. We collaborate with local businesses such as PC Doctors and SnapShot, who provide their expertise and resources to support our work at no cost. We also run a peer-to-peer support system where users share their skills, experiences, and successes, helping to strengthen the community through collective knowledge.
Our vision is to create a beautiful, welcoming hub with spacious workstations, separate areas for men and women, and a family-friendly space. This hub will serve as a social place to combat isolation and for networking. We will offer warm drinks, refreshments and provide a warm space to combat the cost-of-living crisis. To achieve this vision, we need to upgrade our current facilities. Our computers are outdated and slow, limiting the effectiveness of our services. We want to expand our mentoring services, providing more 1-1 assistance, especially for those with complex needs.
The community is fully behind our vision and is eager to come together to crowdfund the resources we need to achieve it. With your support, we can create a vibrant, modern, and welcoming hub that will be a catalyst for digital and social inclusion, helping everyone in our community stay connected, thrive, and succeed in an increasingly digital world.
With the funding, we will:
Purchase 13 energy-efficient high-speed computers at £650 each = £8450
Obtain software licenses and setup for each computer at £50 each = £650
Provide 10 additional hours of mentoring per week at £20 per hour, for 52 weeks = £10,400
Place 12 half-page advertisements at £45 each = £540
Total: £20,040
If we can raise additional funds, we will expand the project by purchasing more computers and offering additional mentoring to meet the growing demand.
This is not the end; it's the next step in our greater vision: a future where digital poverty is no longer a barrier. A future where every individual in our community, regardless of background, can confidently access services, manage their finances, and learn new skills. With this funding, we will have the capacity to plan strategically, expand our impact, and advocate more effectively for digital inclusion.
We are proud to align our work with Greater Manchester’s Digital Inclusion Agenda for Change and Manchester’s Digital Strategy, supporting the region’s ambition to become a 100% digitally-enabled and world-leading digital city by 2026