Questions & Answers

Digital exclusion means people cannot fully access or use digital services because of a lack of internet access, devices, skills, confidence, or affordability. In the UK, this can have significant consequences for individuals and society. [ofcom.org.uk], [post.parliament.uk]

Impact on Individuals: 

Employment and income

• People who are digitally excluded may struggle to search for jobs, complete online applications, access training, or develop skills needed in modern workplaces. This can reduce employment opportunities and earning potential. [lordslibra...liament.uk], [post.parliament.uk]

Access to public services

• Many government, banking, healthcare, and utility services are increasingly delivered online. Digitally excluded people can find it harder to claim benefits, book appointments, manage finances, or access information. [lordslibra...liament.uk], [post.parliament.uk]

This widens my skill base

To promote digital inclusion, we have introduced a volunteer position known as the Online Chum Mentor. This digital befriender offers both technical guidance and community support to older and disabled individuals, including asylum seekers, refugees and unemployed people. The latter group face significant obstacles since the Department for Work and Pensions requires benefit claimants to be online. For many, the lack of a personal computer, or phone mean they must depend on public spaces such as libraries, which is fraught with difficulties: users cannot guarantee privacy or personalised settings, and the limited time available on library computers adds to the strain. Such constraints can lead to wider social and economic exclusion and, all too often, result in individuals becoming further disconnected from the community alongside restricted access to online socially essential services.  

Doing this helps me do things on my own