Including the excluded – digital inclusion in Essex
Our Digital Inclusion Lead, Jess Flack, shares how we’re working to tackle digital exclusion across the county.
My role at Digital Essex is to identify the barriers preventing Essex residents from getting online and find ways to overcome them. At Essex County Council, we’ve long recognised that a lack of a decent internet connection is an issue for many and, as part of our Superfast Essex programme, have given more than 160,000 Essex addresses access to superfast broadband.
Digital inclusion has become a priority focus for Digital Essex, as we recognise that it takes more than a strong internet connection to get online. We’ve identified the barriers alongside connectivity that prevent Essex residents from taking part in the digital world – and we’re working to ensure no one is left behind.
What is digital inclusion?
In Essex, a fifth of households don’t use the internet at all, and for those that do, more than half of them go online for limited reasons and with limited skill.
But what does it mean to be digitally excluded?
Digital inclusion – ensuring that the benefits of the internet and digital technologies are available to everyone.
Digital exclusion – missing out on the benefits of going online due to a lack of access and understanding of technology.
It can be easy to take for granted all the benefits that come with being online and the positive impact it has on our everyday lives. We’re able to shop around, use price-comparison websites to find the best deal and save on essentials with exclusive online-only deals. We can also scroll hundreds of jobs adverts at a time and easily educate ourselves on any topic within a few minutes.
For those who are digitally excluded, missing out on these opportunities can put a huge strain on their lives. Most often, we tend to see those already at a disadvantage missing out, which creates further social exclusion and worsening social and economic problems.
How are we tackling digital exclusion in Essex?
As part of our Digital Strategy for Essex, we’ve identified what we believe to be the three main barriers to achieving full digital inclusion in our county. We’ll be working with our key partners to develop plans and initiatives to tackle these causes.
Access
To get online, everyone needs to be able to access a decent internet connection. Whether this be through fixed line broadband or through mobile connectivity, we’re working with operators and providers to ensure Essex residents can access a strong connection.
Affordability
Access to the internet needs to be affordable. Many households across Essex struggle to get online due to a lack of an affordable connection and the devices and equipment needed to do so. We’re working on projects to ensure all Essex residents can afford to access the internet.
Adoption
The final barrier is the adoption of essential digital skills, to use the internet safely and effectively. This can help to make sure our residents can manage everyday tasks and to maximise the benefits of being online.
Our digital inclusion projects
Social broadband tariffs
We know that the cost-of-living crisis has put pressure on many households as bills continue to rise.
If you’re a low-income household, receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, you could be eligible for a discounted broadband deal. They still deliver the superfast broadband speeds you need, while helping you keep those vital extra pounds in your pocket.
Ask your broadband provider about social broadband tariffs, which could save you up to £144 a year on your bills.
National Databank
If you rely on mobile data to access the internet, but struggle to afford costly monthly mobile bills, you could be eligible for free mobile data through the National Databank.
You can access the National Databank through the Northeast Essex Digital Access Support Team who provide community support, drop-ins and one-to-one support for any digital issues you may have.
We’re working with our community partners and local libraries to ensure this support is available across the county to our residents – watch this space!
Lego in Libraries
We’re bringing digital alive for our young learners too!
We’re working with Getech, a LEGO® Education distributor, and Essex Libraries to bring LEGO®’s Learning System into libraries across Essex.
Selected libraries across Essex will receive LEGO Education kits and laptops, to engage young learners in hands-on activities including science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) concepts!
Library staff will use relatable minifigures, digital education resources and familiar LEGO building elements to help children solve real-world problems through storytelling.
Laptop donations
Has your business got unused laptops lying around?
If they’re less than seven years old and wiped, please consider donating them to us! Our partners, EOL IT Services in Maldon, will break them down and recycle the parts, generating much-needed funds to source new devices for those in need.
You’ll be doing your bit for the planet too by making sure your devices don’t end up in landfill!
To take part in this scheme, please contact us.
Be the first to know about our future digital inclusion initiatives! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and sign up to our newsletter.