Bridging the Digital Divide: Your Role in Digital Inclusion
WM:Together
Digital inclusion: a West Midlands emergency — and an urgent business opportunity.
Help us close a gap that’s costing communities and businesses billions.
1.2 million people in the West Midlands lack access to essential digital skills and tools, creating a significant societal gap.
When people can’t get online, we all pay. Join businesses across the West Midlands to empower and train our community so that they can access work, public services and cheaper essentials.
Corporate and organisational support is crucial in achieving our mission. Please join us.
- 600, 000 people in the region are not online at all
- 600, 000 people are online but lack essential digital skills such as shopping safely, using the NHS app, online banking and more.
The cost benefit is real:
£9.48 economic return for every £1 invested in digital inclusion programmes.
Corporates: Become a sponsor, donate devices and pledge employee volunteering hours.
Your unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones can make a life-changing difference for individuals, families, and community support hubs who currently lack access to technology.
Thanks to our accredited recycling sponsor, SCC [Recyclea], every donated device will be securely wiped, fully tracked, and refurbished to the highest standards—with zero waste guaranteed.
Join us in powering digital inclusion. Donate your devices. Volunteer your time. Make an impact.
Learners: Learn essential digital skills & get online
No Experience? No Problem. We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’ve never used a computer before or just want to build confidence online, we’ve got you covered. Our free training sessions are designed around your goals—so you’ll learn what matters most to you.
From getting to know your device and setting up an email address, to staying safe online and using the NHS app, we’ll guide you step by step.
Free places available—subject to availability. Let’s get you connected.
Real stories
Jack’s Story: Trying to do Homework Without a Computer
Jack is not alone. In the West Midlands, around 140,000 young people don’t have access to a laptop or desktop computer—making it harder to complete homework, attend online lessons, or use educational platforms effectively.
Families relying solely on mobile phones face real barriers: struggling to submit assignments, view complex documents, or navigate learning tools designed for larger screens.
Jack is already facing challenges. Without the right device, he’s falling further behind.
Mary’s Story: Fears Being Frozen Out by the Online World
Mary has decided the internet isn’t for her. She’s heard too many stories about scams and doesn’t feel safe online. But lately, she’s feeling left out—and left behind.
She’s not alone. Around 240,000 older people in the West Midlands use the internet less than once a month, or not at all. The top reasons?
- Lack of IT skills (36%)
- Fear and lack of trust—including concerns about scams (23%)
This digital disconnect leads to real-world exclusion:
- Difficulty accessing online public services like council support, banking, better deals, and the NHS app
- Reduced social contact and limited access to information—both risk factors for loneliness
- Fewer opportunities to use remote tools that could help ease isolation
Mary’s story is one of many. Together, we can change the narrative.
Ali’s Story: Afraid to Go Online
Ali is disabled and doesn’t feel confident going online. That fear keeps him from accessing vital services that could support his mental and physical health.
He’s not alone. At least 150,000 people in the West Midlands face similar barriers. And the consequences are serious:
- Paying More: People who are offline or lack digital skills pay an average “poverty premium” of £478 per year on everyday goods and services. This hits disabled individuals hardest, as they’re more likely to be on low incomes.
- Health & Services Access: Those who are digitally excluded are 1.5× more likely to struggle with NHS digital services—missing out on tools that could improve their wellbeing.
Ali is slipping further behind. But with the right support, we can help him—and thousands like him—get connected and move forward.
Leo's Story: Struggling to Find Work Offline
Leo is a young jobseeker with big ambitions, but he doesn’t have a computer or reliable internet at home. Every job application means taking a bus to a library or community centre to use a public computer. Even then, time is limited and computers are in high demand — some days, by the time it’s his turn, the application deadline has passed.
He’s not alone. Thousands of young people in the West Midlands are in the same boat: no convenient internet access, no laptop — effectively cut off from most job opportunities that have moved online. The consequences are serious.
- Missed opportunities: Without home internet and access to a suitable device Leo often misses out on job postings, online training courses, and virtual interviews. By the time he hears about them or travels to get online, it can be too late.
- Extra costs and effort: He spends time and money just to get connected — paying for bus fares, waiting in queues — which adds extra strain when money and energy are already tight.
- Mounting stress: Job hunting is tough enough without tech barriers. The constant worry about missing an important email or deadline is taking a toll on Leo’s confidence and mental health.
Finding a job is hard enough without these digital barriers. Left behind by the online world, Leo is growing more anxious about his future prospects.
For any other enquiries contact: digitalinclusion@wmca.org.uk