Delivering Digital Inclusion
Access4all has numerous projects running within Framework to improve Digital inclusion for all our service users.
We have identified 5 Priorities for the project to improve digital skills for service users.
Frameworks Five Priorities for Digital Inclusion:
1. Reduce Data Poverty amongst Service users by providing donated SIMs
2. Promote affordable Broadband and mobile Tariffs
3. Provide Digital Skills Sessions to all Framework Service users
4. Provide Access to IT equipment for all Service users
5. Promote Digital Inclusion through a supportive website
1. Reduce Data Poverty amongst Service users by providing SIMs
Data Poverty
Data poverty is a growing issue that affects many of the vulnerable people we support within Framework, limiting their ability to access essential online services, education, and job opportunities.
To combat this we have procured and distributed, data SIMs across our whole organization.
This ensures our service users can stay connected and engaged with the modern world.
- Supports financial independence – Allows job searching, online banking, and access to cost-saving opportunities like digital deals and discounts.
- Improves access to essential services – Enables users to apply for benefits, book medical appointments, and access educational resources.
- Enhances social inclusion – Helps individuals stay connected with family, support networks, and community services.
2. Promote affordable Broadband and mobile Tariffs
Social Tariffs
There has been a growing awareness of data poverty and digital exclusion over the last few years due to government and charities trying to combat both.
In the last year there has been a surge in companies offering social tariffs on mobile and broadband.
We are promoting these new opportunities to our service users and informing them
3. Provide Digital Skills Sessions to all Framework Service users
Digital Skill Sessions
Having the skills to use IT equipment is just as important as having access to it. That’s why delivering digital skills sessions has been a priority since the project started.
Digital skill sessions are run by “Digital Champions” who are highly skilled volunteers, who give up their time to support service users.
Our skills sessions vary depending on the need of the service user, so one day we could be teaching basic internet skills or helping someone improve their confidence by teaching them basic programming skills.
We have digital skills sessions running in multiple locations 7 locations, allowing services users to access dedicated support for any IT issue wherever they need it.
Additional benefits have been helping volunteers find long term employment through their experience volunteering as digital champions.
4. Provide Access to IT equipment for all Service users
Creating Digital Spaces for Service Users
Our first task was to distribute laptops throughout Framework accommodation so we could create digital spaces for our service users. We have so far successfully installed 400+ laptops within our accommodation services to provide essential internet accessibility to service users who require it.
This has been split into 3 projects:
- Creating a staff bank of Laptops in each service so service users can approach staff to access the internet
- Installing secure computer kiosks in services. These allow service users to jump on and off the internet when they need to, empowering them to have more independence of their lives.
- Creating Digital Inclusion Hubs across the organisation. These hubs are made up of secure kiosks used to deliver support sessions to service users, teaching digital skills, accessing healthcare , employment and housing.
Loaned Laptops for Service Users
Although having a laptop with a hostel or with a support worker was a useful first step for a residents, many needed a dedicated machine for themselves to meet their needs. Using the donations from our supporters, we have now distributed over 100 laptops directly to service users, for reasons such as:
- Supporting people seeking employment, by allowing them to more easily look and apply for jobs at home.
- Supporting people in education, primarily young people, empower
- Laptops have made some of the biggest differences to people who have experienced homelessness for extended periods. Empowering them to be able to take back control of their lives by accessing resources, health services, employment and house as well as letting them reconnect with friends and family members
Framework supports a diverse range of people in a diverse amount of ways
Although Framework is primarily known for supporting people experiencing homelessness in Nottingham, we actually provide multiple different services for local councils.
As the chart shows, although many groups will be experiencing homelessness is someway, their primary support needs are quite diverse.
Donated laptops are donated to a wide range of services including:
- 23% to Services supporting people to get into employment
- 17% to services specializing in supporting people with Substance abuse
- 13% to services supporting people under the age of 18 experiencing homelessness
- 10% to services supporting people in mixed accommodation
- 8% to services supporting those found rough sleeping
- 7% to services supporting families
- 6% to services supporting people stay housed (homelessness prevention)
- 5% to services teaching life skills
- 4% to services supporting people with Complex issues
- 3% to services supporting unaccompanied asylum seekers
- 3% to services supporting people with mental health challenges
- 1% to services supporting people through rehabilitation
5. Promote Digital Inclusion our own interactive website
Creating Digital Spaces for Service Users
Having a dedicated online resource was essential for the project so we could create a pool of resources curated for our service users.
This allowed us to created varied content for the wide variety of skill levels people have as well as signposting them to important resources that we use.
The website automatically loads on all our laptops, as the homepage. We can reach anyone who is accessing our laptops across the organisations with updates and vital resources.
Ask ADA
A digital skill we thought would be important to promote was working with AI given its increasing prominence in digital spaces.
We created an AI powered chatbot called “ask Ada” to act as a Digital Champion on the website so any service user or staff member could access it and ask for support.
By getting people familiar with working with AI models as well as supporting them to understand the risks, we’re a re getting people prepared to properly engage with the digital world.
