Millions of people in the UK don’t have the basic digital skills they need to thrive in today’s world. In 2019 a collaboration across the public, private and voluntary sector formed the East Riding Digital Divide subgroup  The group's purpose was to investigate the main challenges of digital exclusion within the East Riding, including:

• Access -lack of connectivity or affordability
• Skills - not having the ability to use the internet in everyday life including using the internet safely
• Confidence -  in oneself, or trust in technology
• Motivation - – not seeing why using the internet could be relevant and helpful

Group members would connect their own resources and learnings to share and develop a range of accessible solutions and recommendations to tackle the issue with the region.   

East Riding Digital Divide subgroup members:

• East Riding CCG
• East Riding Police Crime Commissioner Representative
• ERVAS
• East Riding of Yorkshire Council
• Hull & East Riding Timebank
• HEY Smile Foundation
• Humber & Wolds Rural Action
• KCOM
• Sight Support
• Two Ridings Community Foundation

Priorities:  

1. Facilitate collective action, building on existing resources and experiences
2. Develop digital skills and confidence within communities and organisations 
3. Develop ICT services, infrastructure and equipment to address the digital divide
4. Provide greater insight into emerging needs and solutions 

Digital learning for the community:

1. First steps - resources to support a basic understanding and how to keep safe 
2. Next steps- guidance to get the best out of your computer and social media
3. Another level - ideas to expand learning and start building IT solutions

Solutions to support accessibility

Sight support - Home Visiting Technology Service 

AbilityNet supports anyone living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education.

Voluntary Sector resources to maintain equipment and improve productivity

Charity Digital