There are over 1,000 London-based organisations in the National Digital Inclusion Network. Good Things Foundation caught up with one Digital Inclusion Hub, ClearCommunityWeb, based in Norwood, South London.

Question: Tell us about ClearCommunityWeb and who you support.

ClearCommunityWeb help people feel more confident and comfortable with technology through classes, workshops and individual support. We also provide specific programmes that help people to access online services or to manage their health online.

We work with all groups with digital needs alongside other support agencies and statutory services, as well as health and wellbeing projects, to ensure we can provide a full package of support for residents.

We run over 20 activities a week across South London and have worked with over 1,000 people this year.

Question: What services do you provide as a Digital Inclusion Hub?

We embed the free digital skills platform Learn My Way as a independence tool within all of our non-accredited learning and Digital Drop Ins to help people fill in knowledge gaps. It’s also a great tool for volunteers to understand how to support people digitally and how to sit alongside someone completely new. This has worked particularly well with our intergenerational projects and Duke of Edinburgh schemes.

We access the National Device Bank regularly donating to learners within our programmes, so they can build confidence with their own machine rather than using one of ours. This ownership is also motivating.

Finally, we distribute SIMs from the National Databank to the wider community via warm spaces and foodbanks as part of our outreach programme. 

Question: What are the benefits of being in the London Digital Inclusion Network?

This unity is a great motivational tool and a way of sharing knowledge but also keeping our spirits up during tough times.

Question: How has being involved in the Network helped you to help people improve their lives?

It allows us to continue the work we are doing as well as to focus into more specific areas to pilot new ideas.

Question: Are there any standout stories from people you have supported?

Ben* has regular appointments with his hospital, so keeping up to date and informed is important but using some of the technology used to be a challenge. 

He attended a workshop run by us and learnt how to access his hospital record, safely, via his phone and laptop.

Ben said: “I was a technophobe, I have nieces and nephews who grew up with tech, and they would always say to me ‘why are you a dinosaur?’. They were relentless! 

“I received several texts about the online appointments system and was assured my details were safe. Once I was shown how to use the link I could access and confirm my appointments. Bingo!” 

He added: “We went through all the basics, and it was enlightening. I became more comfortable about logging in using the browser, and I didn’t need to wait for a text to log in. I use it now to check messages, and check records, and keep in touch with my healthcare practitioners. When I get the information I need, it’s hunky dory.”

“At first I was very reluctant but now I would say to anyone – Go for It!”

*Name changed for anonymity

Question: What would you say to an organisation that’s thinking of joining the Network?

It’s great to be part of a family!

A final note from Good Things Foundation

By joining the Network, you can help your community get access to free mobile connectivity and donated devices, gain digital skills and build their confidence online. 

We want a world where everyone benefits from digital. Being part of the National Digital Inclusion Network helps us towards our mission of fixing the digital divide – for good. 

Learn more about becoming a hub with Get Online London – a collaboration between us, the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) and the Mayor of London on the Become a Hub page.