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Connecting communities across West Yorkshire through digital skills

In today’s digital world, access to essential skills isn’t optional - it’s vital. Yet millions remain excluded. Across West Yorkshire, a powerful partnership of local authorities and community organisations is changing that, delivering practical, people‑first support that helps residents build confidence, access essential services, and unlock new opportunities in everyday life.

Bridging the digital divide across West Yorkshire

Digital access is essential for everyday life - yet 16% of the UK population still lack basic digital skills, leaving millions at risk of exclusion.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Digital Inclusion offer is tackling this challenge head-on - supporting individuals, communities and organisations to build the skills, confidence and access they need in everyday life.

Working with local authority partners in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, alongside delivery partners including Virgin Media O2 Business’ Connect More programme, support is being delivered directly into communities through a people-first, collaborative approach.

Watch the video case study to see the impact across West Yorkshire.

What’s the impact?

More residents gaining essential digital skills to access healthcare, services, jobs and everyday tools.
Improved confidence through personalised, one-to-one support tailored to individual needs.
Better access to healthcare, with patients supported to manage services online.
Stronger local organisations, equipped with guidance, training and resources.
Greater collaboration across the region, helping to tackle digital exclusion at scale.

Delivering Support Where It’s Needed Most

Local authority digital inclusion teams and trained volunteers work together to deliver digital support in communities.

In Bradford, drop-in sessions at Valley View Surgery are helping patients to confidently access NHS services online - improving both independence and wellbeing.

With digital inclusion delivery across West Yorkshire, we’re continuing to reach more communities every month.

Building a more inclusive region

At its core, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Digital Inclusion support is about more than essential digital skills - it’s about confidence, opportunity and inclusion.

By bringing together local authorities, community organisations and delivery partners, the programme is creating a more connected region - where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a digital world.