Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier to social inclusion, economic opportunities, and access to essential services. Recognising this, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) launched the Strengthening Communities Digital Inclusion Fund to empower local authorities and community partners to deliver hyper-local, tailored digital support. Bury Council has responded with a robust, community-embedded initiative that expands digital access and skills training to the borough’s most underserved populations.
Context of the Project and Strategy
GMCA’s digital inclusion strategy is grounded in data-driven insights. Using the Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI), GMCA Research mapped areas across Greater Manchester with high exclusion risk and limited access to digital support services. The analysis layered data on:
- GM Data Banks
- Free or low-cost digital skills programs
- Digital Inclusion Hubs
A 1km radius was used to identify service gaps, based on principles of:
- Accessibility: Ensuring services are within walking distance
- Community Connectivity: Strengthening neighbourhood cohesion
- Walkability: Supporting mobility and physical activity
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing reliance on transport
- Social Equity: Addressing disparities in access to digital tools
Bury Council’s Localised Approach
Bury Council’s project focused on expanding Tech and Café Drop-In sessions - flexible, volunteer-led digital support hubs embedded in trusted community spaces. These sessions are:
- Free and open access
- Delivered in familiar, welcoming environments
- Staffed by trained Digital Buddy volunteers
- Flexible and appointment-free
The initiative is designed to meet residents where they are, both geographically and in terms of digital literacy, by partnering with local charities, community groups, and faith-based organisations.
Targeted Support for Priority Groups
The project prioritises individuals who face compounded barriers to digital inclusion, including:
- Unemployed and underemployed individuals
- Low-income families
- Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities
- Care leavers and ex-offenders
- Homeless individuals
- Older adults (50+)
- People with physical or mental disabilities
- Non-native English speakers
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Visually and hearing-impaired individuals
Delivery Partner Spotlight: Sovereign House GH
Impact to Date
Sovereign House GH has supported 31 individuals in the first few weeks of delivery, with a target of reaching 50 more. Their work spans multiple demographics and needs:
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
A bespoke eight-session digital skills course for 15+ refugee and asylum seeker participants was developed, focusing on:
- Basic digital literacy
- Online communication and safety
- Accessing government services and benefits
- Housing applications and online banking
- E-visa processes and real-time translation tools
Microsoft Copilot’s voice translation was central to the program, enabling multilingual support and coaching in easy to understand digital communication.
Unemployed Youth
Two young adults received:
- Word processing training for CV creation
- Guidance on saving and submitting documents online
- Support with job applications and document formatting
Adults Aged 50+
8 participants over the age of 50 received help with:
- Using social media and email
- Attaching images and navigating websites
- Understanding cookies and online safety
- Exploring AI tools for translation and daily tasks
One participant noted that AI tools helped him overcome language barriers and navigate in his everyday life more confidently and independently.
Disabled Participants
A participant living with disabilities received tailored support to:
- Access accurate web information
- Navigate online platforms independently
General Drop-In Support
6+ residents received one-off assistance during drop-in sessions, addressing immediate digital needs.
Case Study: Juan’s Digital Journey
Background
Juan*, a 70-year-old resident, joined the program with limited digital skills and English proficiency. He struggled with:
- Using social apps and email
- Identifying safe websites
- Understanding AI tools
- Navigating digital platforms due to language barriers
Training and Support
Juan received:
- Hands-on practice with email and social media
- Lessons on online safety and scam recognition
- Introduction to AI tools for translation and navigation
- Culturally sensitive, step-by-step instructions
Outcomes
By the end of the course, Juan:
- Communicated confidently with family abroad
- Navigated websites safely
- Used AI tools to translate and find local services
- Gained independence and digital confidence
“This program has changed my life... It has given me confidence and made my life easier.” — Juan
Next Steps for Strengthening Communities Digital Inclusion Project
Bury Council is scaling the initiative by:
- Partnering with additional digital skills delivery organisations
- Providing grants to local charities via Bury VCFA
- Expanding the Tech and Café network to new locations
- Continuing to monitor and adapt services based on community feedback and DERI data
Bury Council’s Strengthening Communities Digital Inclusion Project exemplifies how data-driven, community-led, and person-centred approaches can bridge the digital divide. By embedding support in trusted spaces and tailoring services to local needs, the project is not only improving digital literacy but also enhancing social inclusion, economic opportunity, and individual empowerment.
To find out more about the Bury Works Digital for All programme visit Help Getting Online | Bury Works Digital for All - Bury Council.
*participant’s name was changed to protect their identity