People without digital devices, Internet access, data or basic IT skills face major barriers:
- To education, training and employment;
- access to services;
- and staying in touch with friends and family
With our partners, we are making a range of digital inclusion schemes. Details will be posted on this page when they are available.
Broadband and phone services
Social tariffs are low-cost broadband and phone packages for people who get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit. For more about this, visit: Ofcom and Money Saving Expert.
People seeking work could get six months free broadband through their local Jobcentre Plus. Speak to your work coach for more details.
Ofcom has Tips for cutting your phone, broadband and pay-TV costs.
Money Saving Expert has tips on how to get the best deals for:
Do you struggle to pay your mobile or broadband bill? Speak to your provider as soon as possible to see how they can help.
Online skills
If you want to improve your online skills, there is help:
- AbilityNet - Free course. Free resources that include: factsheets, webinars and My Computer My Way.
- Good Things Foundation - Learn My Way. Free courses to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected.
- Lloyds Bank - Free digital skills training. If you or someone you know is not online, they might be able to help with free training.
- With Digital Helpline, they offer 1-2-1 sessions.
- For more details, phone: 0345 2220333.
- Mastercard - Nobody in the dark. Hints and helpful how-to guides from Learn My Way and Quids In! magazine.
Access to a device
If you cannot afford a device, local organisations might be able to help you access one. There are also regional and national schemes that gift or loan devices.
- Digital Access West Yorkshire (accesswy.org) matches people who have spare machines to those who need them.
If you need Internet access, it is free for members to use at every Calderdale Library (70 minutes per day). While there, you can:
- Browse the Internet.
- Access a number of websites that libraries subscribe to.
- Use email to keep in touch with friends and family.
- Make colour printouts for 10p per A4 sheet.
- Use software to word process and make spreadsheets.
- Save information and scan documents to a USB memory stick.