Digital and cost-of-living support event hosted in Harlow!

We've kicked off the next phase of our social broadband tariff campaign with a digital and cost-of-living event in Harlow. Our event, at the Harvey Centre on Monday 11 September, saw local organisations come together to support residents.

Offerings included free skills courses, access to digital opportunities, and cost-of-living support. The event also included the local Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice and Bright Futures at Harlow College.

Cllr Cunningham on the left, Cllr McKinlay on the right

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up and the Economy, said: “It was fantastic to see the Harlow community come together in unity at this one-of-a-kind event.

“Families without access to an affordable broadband connection not only face isolation, but could lose an average of £286 a month by missing out on opportunities to secure the best prices and save money. 

“Harlow has been highlighted as a key area for Levelling Up in Essex and this event is a testament to how the community can come together to bridge the digital divide and help all Essex residents to thrive in the modern world.”

Ali Firth on the left, Mirka Marri on the right

Ali Firth, Digital Inclusion Project Lead at West Essex Community Action Network (WECAN), said: “This was an amazing event where we shared our digital inclusion project, Digital Share, which supports people who are digitally excluded by providing skills training, data, and devices. Digital exclusion is a huge problem in Harlow, so it’s been hugely beneficial meeting the local community to see how we can support.”

For information about social broadband tariffs, visit the Essex County Council website.