• Digital Inclusion Programme

    Helping North Yorkshire communities get online with funding for new digital hubs.

    An older man and woman sit together at a wooden table, smiling while looking at a laptop. Informational leaflets and papers are on the table, with noticeboards and empty chairs in the background.

Investment helps bridge the digital divide in North Yorkshire

Now more than ever, digital skills are a vital part of daily life – from booking health appointments to staying in touch with friends and family. But not everyone has the confidence or know-how to get online and make the most of these tools.

That’s where our digital inclusion work came in. We have run two digital inclusion projects: a £600,000 partnership programme – funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund –  that tackled digital exclusion head-on across rural North Yorkshire. It supported community organisations to develop digital support projects, set up digital hubs and train digital champions to provide the one-to-one support so many people need.

We also helped community groups across North Yorkshire bring digital skills to life with funding of up to £20,000 to set up local digital hubs. These welcoming spaces help people build confidence online – from accessing services to staying connected. Delivered in partnership with York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire Council and York CVS, the fund also offered free training for Digital Champions and practical guidance to help every hub thrive.

Be inspired

Hear how the funding helped deliver a digital project in Thirsk Library, and what that meant for local residents.

Our impact

As part of the project, we helped individuals develop vital digital skills, build confidence and access essential services.

In 2024/5 the project saw:

  • 40 projects delivered in 120+ venues
  • 3k people supported with digital skills
  • 83 training sessions to boost confidence and capability
  • 250+ digital champions trained.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the programme you can contact: michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

View details of previously funded hub projects

Other support resources

Four older adults sit around a table in a bright room, smiling and talking. They have papers, a laptop, and coffee mugs in front of them, appearing engaged in a friendly meeting or discussion.

Funding

A stone village hall with a shingled roof stands beside a grassy area and a noticeboard displaying community news. Traditional stone cottages and rolling hills are visible in the background under a blue sky.

Community buildings

A laptop, notebook, pen, and coffee mug sit on a wooden desk. In the background, two people are seated and talking, slightly out of focus, in an office or meeting room with large windows and noticeboards.

DBS checks

Four adults stand in a community room, smiling and talking whilst holding mugs. Behind them is a noticeboard with Health and Wellbeing and various informational leaflets.

Health and wellbeing in North Yorkshire

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