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Digital Inclusion Initiative
Find out what the project is, how your organisation can get involved and how to receive support as a resident
What is the Digital Inclusion Initiative?
The Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) is a new, ground-breaking, industry-led programme, committed to bridging the digital divide by improving digital skills, enhancing lives, and stimulating economic growth.
By providing over 4,500 tablets, sim cards (with six months of internet connectivity) and digital skills training to digitally excluded individuals, we are ensuring no one is left behind in the modern digital world.
Lloyds Banking Group, Vodafone UK and Assurant have fully funded the initiative, with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority facilitating its rollout locally, with logistical support by FRC Group.
What do people receive and how do organisations get involved?
Each person receives a free android tablet, with six months of Vodafone connectivity, alongside in-person digital skills training.
To reach those most in need, we’re working in partnership with members of our Digital Inclusion Network to roll out this programme. This includes voluntary sector organisations, other local authorities and service providers.
If you’re an organisation supporting digitally excluded residents, sign up to our network to find out how to get involved.
Local Partners
From the list below, you can find an organisation local to you and go to their website for contact details. Mention the DII project and they’ll see how they can best support you digitally.
Who is behind the initiative?
The DII is partnership programme funded by:
- Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Bank believe that both financial and digital capability are enablers to everyday life. Including people’s ability to manage their money, find a job and build or grow a business. Our aim is to help provide the access, ability and ambition to improve these skills, driven through our own activities but also utilising the power of partnerships.
- Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that is committed to helping everyone in the UK enjoy the benefits of a digital society regardless of their age, ethnicity, background, or ability. By providing the connectivity in this programme, they are helping to bridge the digital divide, enabling thousands of residents online.
- Assurant
Assurant is a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products, and other specialty products.
Why is it important?
The Combined Authority is committed to building a co-ordinated and connected digital inclusion ecosystem, where our residents are empowered to make the most of a modern digital life online. Across our 1.6 million residents, it is estimated that 28% have the lowest digital capability, preventing them from participating fully in society – whether that’s engaging with their friends and family online, renewing their prescriptions through the NHS App, or accessing council services digitally.
Hundreds of thousands more lack the required digital devices or connectivity to engage, with the barriers of access and affordability preventing many from engaging further online. The need to work in partnership with organisations across the industry is critical in tackling this challenge together.
What have we done so far?
here's how we're doing so far
How we're working alongside Households into Work
Lloyds Digital Helpline
Free phone-based support open to Lloyds Bank customers, their friends, and their family. Support for not only online banking, but for other things too. In partnership with the Digital Helpline, Lloyds are offering free 1-2-1 training sessions that are tailor-made to your needs. You can call for an initial chat and they’ll try to help you with any queries there and then.
Call: 0345 222 0333
Or find out more here
