iming to face the challenges provided by the digital age, the Digital Inclusion Programme supports the East London community by tackling issues relating to digital exclusion, which is a major barrier to opportunity in the 21st century. Those who are digitally excluded are much more likely to encounter isolation and barriers to employment, and this is most prevalent in ethnic minority communities over the age of 50, and with those in poor health.

The Tower Hamlets Council’s digital inclusion strategy identifies Access and Skills as two of the most important barriers to inclusion, and the Digital Inclusion Programme tackles these issues individually, with help from partners from both the private sector and the wider East London community.

Electronic devices with connection to the internet are becoming increasingly expensive and therefore difficult to obtain. But with the help of our corporate partners and their kind donations, ELBA is able to facilitate the donation of internet-accessible devices to individuals. By providing access to these devices, members of the community are able to benefit from the new digital resources that are available, increasing communication, accessibility, and community engagement.

ELBA not only assists with the distribution of devices, but also with the skills building needed to use them. We work with our community partners to provide digital skills and inclusion workshops, where they can learn how to effectively use the devices that they have from the support and guidance of our corporate volunteers. The objective behind these sessions is to empower the community members, enabling independent access to digital applications and devices. This is a great way to generate a social opportunity to reduce isolation and loneliness, and social disconnection as a result.

How to get involved

If you are a Community Organisation in need of devices, fill out our device donation form here.

If you are a Corporate Volunteer looking to get involved in ELBA’s Digital Inclusion Programme, please send us an email at community@elba-1.org.uk.