Government-Funded Programme to Boost Digital Skills in Vulnerable Communities

Digital inequality is still a major hurdle in the UK and particularly in the North East, where various communities are still burdened with the problem concerning reliable internet, affordable devices, and the relevant skills needed to use technology with assurance. The UK North East digital divide impacts young people, older citizens and unemployed people by further restricting their chances for education, employment and social interaction. Accepting these facts, universities in the UK are levelling up with higher education, developing social impact projects to consolidate inclusion and equity.

To this end, researchers from Durham University's School of Education recently launched another initiative to empower communities to overcome digital inequality across the UK North East. The programme, which was called Trusted Connections: Where Digital Skills Meet Community, was defined as a six-month initiative that would improve confidence and trust in using the internet. It is part of the broader digital inclusion North East England 2025 agenda, and it has received £234,854 in funding support from the UK Government Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

Focus Priority Groups

The digital inclusion project of Durham University targets all four most affected priority groups of the digital divide UK North East, namely young people, unemployed adults, NEET youth (not in education, employment, or training), and those aged 55 and above. Project leaders Dr Cristina Costa and Dr Michaela Oliver explained that the work will be done in partnership with community organisations across the region.

Four Pillars of Inclusion

The team set up a framework based on the four pillars of digital inclusion:

• Access – affordable, high-quality devices and supportive structures for full participation.

• Digital literacies – everyday life, work and social engagement.

• Agency and empowerment – building trust and confidence to create and collaborate online.

• Inclusive participation and support – community-based opportunities for learning and wellbeing.

This framework incorporates the overall concept behind digital inclusion and wholly complements the digital inclusion policy in the UK, as it promotes access, skills, and empowerment.

Community Outreach and Champions

One major expected outcome is the training of community-based digital champions, who will work in partnership with the above-mentioned partners, including Digital Safety CIC, Born Good, Let's Connect, Sacriston Youth Project, Auxillia Youth Services, Pact House, and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, to deliver a digital literacy programme, Durham 2025, with sessions throughout the area. At the conclusion of the project, there will be a Festival of Digital Culture celebrating the achievements of the programme and ways in which it will continue after funding has ended.

Wider Impact

It was observed that the initiative is part of higher education social impact projects in the UK, which confirmed the role universities played in improving access and subsequent social inclusion through the use of technology. The Durham University community outreach effort gives evidence of how community access to digitalisation can be reduced in British universities to strengthen trust.

It was noted that the impact of digital exclusion on North East communities, and Durham University’s response, showed in strong terms that without access to skills and confidence, many people could risk being left behind. Observers explained that addressing these issues helped to reinforce Durham’s credibility. They added that while some might question why Durham is considered prestigious or even suggest that the university is too posh, projects of this kind demonstrated how deeply the institution was engaged with local communities and how committed it remained to equity.

Looking Ahead

North East England digital access is a core part of the larger UK digital inclusion initiatives 2025 Northern England, showing how universities can lead on digital equity. Residents will soon be able to take part in the Durham University digital inclusion programme; register for digital inclusion support across North East England, or enrol for digital skills training in North East UK.

Simply put, the Durham University efforts in County Durham and beyond in the North East make sense well why digital inclusion matters for education and community in the UK. Joining together research, outreach, and community partnerships, the university is closing the digital divide in ensuring that technology facilitates wellbeing, opportunities, and social connections.

Editor’s Note:

Digital inequality continues to be a major issue across the UK. However, this is most pronounced in the North East of England, where thousands of communities are still being denied access to reliable broadband, affordable devices, and digital skills. Commonly referred to as the digital divide UK North East, it limits opportunities for education, employment, and social connection, leaving vulnerable groups particularly at risk of exclusion. This trend has also led to universities taking significantly increased responsibility in addressing such issues through higher education social impact projects in the UK, indicating how academic institutions can support broader society. With that, the response from the School of Education at Durham University was the launch of Trusted Connections: Where Digital Skills Meet Community. This Durham University digital inclusion initiative comes under the digital inclusion agenda North East England 2025 and is a six-month initiative funded through the government. With Dr Cristina Costa and Dr Michaela Oliver leading it, emphasis is placed on young people, unemployed adults, NEET youth, and older citizens. It has four pillars: access, digital literacies, agency, and inclusive participation, and is meant to build confidence and trust in digital spaces, with practical skills for everyday life being provided. The key outcome will be training community-based digital champions, who deliver sessions across the region with partner organisations. The project concludes with a Festival of Digital Culture. This festival celebrates achievement and explores the sustainability of the programme beyond the period of funding. In essence, this is the impact of digital exclusion on North East communities and Durham University's response. It explains why digital inclusion matters for education and community wellbeing.

Durham University has placed itself at the forefront, not only in County Durham but also throughout the North East, as the leading university in the UK digital inclusion initiatives 2025 Northern England. Through research, outreach, and partnerships with community organisations, the university is closing the gap between the digital haves and the have-nots. Skoobuzz believes that initiative enhances the image of Durham and demonstrates its commitment to the local community.

FAQs

1. What is digital inclusion, and why does North East England need it?

Digital inclusion means making sure everyone has access to affordable devices, reliable internet, and the skills to use technology with confidence. It is about removing barriers so people can take part fully in digital life. North East England needs it because many communities there still face the digital divide in the UK North East, with young people, older adults, and unemployed groups often excluded from opportunities in education, work, and social connection.

2. Which UK universities support digital inclusion in their communities?

Several universities across the UK are now involved in higher education social impact projects UK that promote digital inclusion. Durham University is leading with its digital inclusion North East England 2025 project. Other institutions, such as Newcastle University and Northumbria University, also run community outreach programmes that improve access to digital skills and support residents. Together, these efforts show how community digital access and inclusion in UK universities can reduce inequality.

3. How will Durham University help reduce digital inequality?

The Durham University digital inclusion project focuses on four priority groups: young people, unemployed adults, NEET youth, and older citizens. By working with community partners, the university will deliver a digital literacy programme, Durham 2025, train local digital champions, and create safe spaces for learning. These steps will build confidence, improve skills, and strengthen trust in online spaces, directly addressing the impact of digital exclusion on North East communities and Durham University's response.

4. What regions in the UK are targeted for digital inclusion efforts in 2025?

The UK Government’s digital inclusion policy highlights several regions, with the North East England digital inclusion project being a major focus. Other areas include Northern England more broadly, where UK digital inclusion initiatives 2025 Northern England are being rolled out. These efforts aim to reduce regional inequalities and ensure that communities outside London and the South East also benefit from access to digital skills and opportunities.

5. How can residents benefit from Durham University’s digital inclusion project?

Residents will be able to join the Durham University digital inclusion programme, register for digital inclusion support in North East England, and access digital skills training in North East UK. They will gain affordable access to devices, practical training for everyday life and work, and community‑based opportunities for wellbeing. In simple terms, the project will help people feel more confident online, improve their career prospects, and strengthen social connections.