Digital Poverty Alliance

The Tech4YoungCarers Programme, delivered by the Digital Poverty Alliance in partnership with East of England Broadband Network (E2BN), is transforming the lives of young carers by breaking down digital barriers. Open to young carers aged 14 to 25 in #Fenland, #SouthCambridgeshire, and #Huntingdonshire, the programme provides refurbished laptops, internet connectivity, and tailored digital skills training to support both education and personal growth. Young carers often face significant challenges balancing their responsibilities with their education, and digital exclusion can make these challenges even harder. This initiative equips them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a digital-first world, creating opportunities for academic success and personal development. Applications are now open. If you know a young carer who could benefit from this programme, please share this opportunity with them and their families. Learn more and apply here: https://shorturl.at/2BHOw. #EndDigitalPoverty

In an article published today by UKAuthority, Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, highlights the challenges of the digital switchover and its impact on those who depend on telecare services. While welcoming progress, she raises key concerns about confusing messaging and insufficient practical support. “Full fibre, gigabits and upload speeds are often meaningless terms if you are an older person being told you have to pay for something new,” Elizabeth explains, emphasising the importance of clear communication and tailored training to help people adapt confidently. She calls for innovative, scalable solutions - such as mesh networks and consistent device redistribution - alongside coordinated efforts across sectors to create meaningful and lasting change. Read the full interview to explore how the Digital Poverty Alliance is working to ensure no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world. Access the article here: https://shorturl.at/NaDEE. #EndDigitalPoverty

Our latest Vulnerability Matters podcast is now available! 🎙️ Elizabeth Anderson talks to Chris Fitch, PhD, FRSPH about what ‘digital poverty’ actually is. Cutting through the most common myths, Elizabeth explains what living in a ‘digital first’ world looks like to the 11 million UK adults who lack the skills to navigate it, or who cannot afford the costs of online life, and what essential services can do for digitally vulnerable consumers. Listen to it here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eZX6WX5V Or search 'Vulnerability Matters podcast' and listen to it on any of the major podcast streaming platforms! #VulnerabilityMatters #Podcast

The Digital Poverty Alliance, in partnership with the Macquarie Group Foundation and Voneus, is offering young people aged 11 to 19 in #Solway and nearby communities – including #Silloth, #Wigton, #Maryport, and #Aspatria – the chance to benefit from our expanded Tech4Youth programme. Through this initiative, participants will receive a free laptop, broadband access, and access to digital literacy workshops, providing them with essential tools to thrive and explore new opportunities in today’s increasingly digital world. Do you know a young person who would benefit from the Tech4Youth programme? Share this opportunity with them and encourage them to apply, so they can make the most of these valuable resources and take steps towards a brighter future. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ehDt_pXu. #EndDigitalPoverty

This morning's webinar featured invaluable insights from three exceptional speakers - Debbie Akehurst, CEO of Central District Alliance, Carlo Liu, Head of the Digital Skills Academy at Capital City College and Colin Adams MBE, Director of Brickworks Community Centre. Their contributions highlighted how innovative local initiatives are transforming communities, tackling digital exclusion, and ensuring that opportunities in today’s digital world are accessible to all. From delivering essential skills training to fostering impactful partnerships, their work underscores the power of collaboration in closing the digital divide. Thank you, Debbie, Carlo, and Colin, for sharing your expertise and your dedication to building a more digitally inclusive future. Your insights have sparked important discussions and inspired action. For those who could not join, a recording of the session will be published across our social channels in the coming days. Let’s continue driving measurable impact together! #EndDigitalPoverty

The latest edition of Education Business features an insightful opinion piece by our CEO, Elizabeth Anderson, exploring the profound impact of the digital divide on schools, students, and teachers alike. Elizabeth sheds light on the barriers faced by educators and learners in an increasingly digital world, and the urgent need for action to ensure no one is left behind in #education. Find the full piece below. #EndDigitalPoverty

This #GivingTuesday, 3 December, the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) invites individuals, organisations, and communities across the #UK to help end digital poverty. In the UK today, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 adults are still cut off from essential digital access, impacting their ability to pursue education, secure employment, and engage with vital services. As an independent charity, the DPA is dedicated to bridging this divide, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive. Your support this Giving Tuesday can create lasting change. By donating funds or an unused laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can help the DPA provide crucial devices, connectivity, and digital skills training to those who need it most. Through initiatives like #Tech4Youth, #Tech4YoungCarers, and #Tech4Families, the DPA empowers individuals, families, and communities to participate fully in today’s increasingly digital world. If you are upgrading your tech this #BlackFriday, consider giving your old device a new purpose by donating it to the DPA. Each device is refurbished and distributed to someone in need of digital access. On 3 December, join us in building a more inclusive UK. Every contribution brings us closer to a future where everyone has the digital tools to succeed. Read more about how you can make a donation today: https://shorturl.at/lWMAS. #EndDigitalPoverty

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is joining the newly launched stakeholder forum, initiated by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and chaired by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, to promote equitable access to UK television as more content moves online. This forum unites voices from the television sector, regulatory bodies, broadcasters, and audience advocacy groups. As part of the Audiences Working Group, the DPA is committed to sustainable solutions that preserve access to traditional broadcast television - a vital resource for communities with limited digital access. With streaming on the rise, this work is crucial for older viewers and households without internet-enabled TVs, ensuring they remain connected as the television landscape evolves. #EndDigitalPoverty

Today the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launched a forum to advise on the future of UK television. This will be chaired by Media Minister Stephanie Peacock MP, and will bring together key representatives from broadcasting, infrastructure and audience groups.   The forum has pledged to leave no one behind, ensuring continued access to TV broadcasting, and we are pleased to see five of our partners included in the working groups: Digital Poverty Alliance, The Voice of the Listener and Viewer (VLV), Arqiva, Rural Services Network and Silver Voices.   The future of TV is important with millions of viewers continuing to rely heavily on traditional terrestrial TV. Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of Digital Poverty Alliance is calling for this forum to protect our vital terrestrial TV services for the long-term. See her full quote below.

Is your organisation ready to lead the national effort to end digital poverty? The Digital Poverty Alliance’s Industry Forum offers a unique opportunity to help shape a digitally inclusive #UK and gain recognition as a key advocate for change. As a member, your organisation will have a seat at quarterly forums, engaging in strategic discussions that shape our National Delivery Plan - a roadmap toward universal digital access. Your organisation will also gain prominent visibility across all our platforms and editorial content, strengthening your profile as a champion of digital equality. Influence policy through exclusive engagement workshops and drive essential conversations at our roundtable leadership sessions on digital access. Align your organisation with lasting impact. Join the Industry Forum today and be part of the movement bringing digital access to everyone across the UK. More details here: https://shorturl.at/xNFHH. #EndDigitalPoverty