Digital inclusion: supporting connection, contribution and choice
Whether it's booking a GP appointment, managing finances, keeping in touch with family or planning a journey, so much of modern life now happens online. For many older people, this can create barriers that affect confidence, independence and social connection. Through our Digital Inclusion Fund, we've supported local organisations to help older people develop the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Real impact, real lives
Over the life of the Fund, around 1,800 older people were supported across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset. The projects helped people develop practical digital skills while reducing isolation and increasing independence.
Participants reported:
- 159% increase in learning new digital skills.
- 100% increase in using technology to connect with their community.
- 71% increase in feeling safe online.
- 68% increase in confidence using technology.
Behind every statistic is a person whose daily life has changed. As one participant said:
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I'm now able to text my friends without having to ask my family to do it for me. “ ”
Another said:
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I can even see the bus moving now, so I won't miss it. “ ”
For Priscila, aged 86, learning to use a bus app meant she could continue travelling independently. For Amina, accessible technology enabled her to read again after sight loss. For Michael, new digital skills helped him take steps towards relaunching his small business.
We would like to thank BS3 Community Development, North Bristol Advice Centre, North Somerset Training CIC, Sight Support West of England, St Werburghs Community Association and Vision North Somerset for their commitment, expertise and dedication in helping older people build digital confidence and stay connected.
Digital inclusion is about people, not technology
Our funding showed that people don't come looking for digital support because they want to learn about technology. They come because they want to solve real-life challenges.
They want to contact family and friends, access healthcare, shop independently, avoid scams or manage everyday tasks with greater confidence. The most successful projects started with what mattered to people and built digital skills around those goals.
The Fund also reinforced the importance of trusted relationships. Many participants needed encouragement, repetition and support at their own pace. Flexible, person-centred approaches consistently delivered the strongest outcomes.
Creating lasting change
The impact extended beyond individual participants.
Funded organisations developed stronger services, trained volunteers, built new partnerships and secured additional investment to continue and expand their work. In several organisations, digital inclusion has become embedded within core service delivery, ensuring the benefits will continue long after the original funding ends.
Looking ahead
Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge. Affordability, accessibility, confidence and access to devices continue to affect many older people. As technology evolves, the need for trusted community-based support will only become more important.
The Digital Inclusion Fund has shown that when older people receive the right support, they gain more than digital skills. They gain confidence, independence and stronger connections with the people and communities around them.
Because digital inclusion isn't really about technology, it's about ensuring people can continue to live life on their own terms. This is just one example of how our Charitable Giving programmes are helping older people and communities flourish across the region.