In today’s digital-first world, the ability to use technology confidently is no longer optional - it’s essential. From managing finances and accessing healthcare to staying connected with loved ones and improving wellbeing, being online opens up new opportunities and can be truly transformative.
Recognising this, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched a comprehensive digital inclusion programme, designed to give individuals and communities the skills and confidence to thrive in an increasingly connected society. It’s already making a real difference.
In Bradford, Digital Inclusion Officer Ayisha partnered with Clarke Foley - a community hub and charity in Ilkley - to deliver eight digital drop-in sessions. These sessions supported local residents in learning how to use mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. With the help of six dedicated volunteers, Ayisha engaged with 18 participants from the community.
I heard about the drop-ins through the Gazette and Clarke Foley and thought I could get support to lose my fear of the mobile phone. In my first session, I learned how to use Google Maps, adjust the brightness, control the volume, and connect to Wi-Fi. Ayisha was patient and walked me through each step. She inspired me to use my phone more and build my skills.
Feedback from a session attendee
The sessions brought wide-ranging benefits:
Building confidence: Attendees developed practical skills, boosting their confidence to use devices independently.
Fostering connections: The drop-ins created an inclusive space for learning, while encouraging participants to share knowledge with one another.
Empowering volunteers: Volunteers enjoyed supporting their community, with many eager to join future sessions.
Inspiring growth: The success has attracted interest from other organisations keen to run similar initiatives in 2025.
Partnerships have also been strengthened through support from Virgin Media, helping secure the programme’s future.
Joe Short, Manager of the Clarke Foley community hub, explained:
We put them in touch with our Virgin Media contact to facilitate volunteer support at their sessions, to help build their capacity. As a result, they now have confirmed dates for all of 2025 starting in January, running on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month.
We should hopefully have a mixture of Clarke Foley, Virgin Media, and U3A volunteers running the sessions, which hopefully means one-to-one support as much as possible. We wouldn’t be where we are now without your help, so I’m incredibly grateful that we’re now able to deliver this valuable service to our community.
We were delighted to work with Bradford Council’s Digital Inclusion team to offer this valuable, free service. Ayisha and her team explained everything simply and effectively, which resonated with our users. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to future sessions.
This successful partnership highlights the power of digital inclusion in building connected, confident communities. With further sessions planned throughout 2025, Clarke Foley and the Digital Inclusion team remain committed to helping residents develop vital skills for the digital age.
