In partnership with Cornwall Council

Challenge:

Cornwall Council faced the challenge of addressing digital exclusion in the region, particularly in its rural areas characterised by high levels of deprivation amidst pockets of wealth. This digital divide prevented individuals from accessing essential services and opportunities, affecting various groups such as young adults not in employment and people over 50 not in work. The council recognised the need to bridge this gap and sought a solution to provide individuals with the necessary skills, connectivity, and equipment to overcome digital barriers.

Solution:

Healthwave, in collaboration with Cornwall Council, developed and implemented an innovative solution to tackle digital exclusion in Cornwall. The solution comprised two key components: the Device Lending Scheme and a support package for Digital Champions.

Based on the Government Essential Digital Skills Framework, the Device Lending Scheme aimed to engage and collaborate with organisations across Cornwall that supported digitally excluded individuals. Through this scheme, eligible organisations could become members by nominating Digital Champions and committing to monthly reports on the impact of the devices and connectivity provided. By offering lending options, the scheme ensured that individuals had access to laptops, tablets, and MiFi units, promoting both affordability and accessibility.

The second aspect of the solution involved embedding Digital Champions within local organisations. These Digital Champions were often employed in frontline roles involved in providing services to vulnerable individuals. By embedding Digital Champions in organisations, the scheme ensured that individuals who needed digital skills support could access it directly from these frontline teams.

The success of this approach is evidenced in the numbers achieved. In June 2023, the scheme boasts an active membership of over 50 local community organisations and Council partners. The scheme has made significant progress in closing the digital divide in Cornwall, with 583 laptops, 88 tablet devices, and 100 MiFi units available or on loan to organisations. Moreover, the scheme has empowered 162 Digital Champions, who work directly with digitally excluded individuals in local organisations. As a result, this approach has facilitated the support of 1,935 people in improving their digital skills within a year, an achievement that would have previously taken four years to accomplish.

The solution has also enabled 400 children to participate in the Children's Survey, facilitated 300 older people in socialising with family and friends or speaking to a GP online, and provided 200 women and girls with an introduction to coding and future job opportunities in the tech industry.

This success story showcases the positive impact of the Healthwave-supported initiative, addressing the challenge of digital exclusion in Cornwall by providing holistic support and empowering individuals with the skills, connectivity, and kit required to access vital services.

“Through our collaboration, we successfully implemented the Device Lending Scheme and embedded Digital Champions throughout Cornwall. From this initial pilot, we have expanded, significantly improving our residents' digital skills and access to services. Healthwave's contribution has helped to bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive and connected Cornwall." - Dawn Stoddern, Digital & Social Inclusion Team Lead, Cornwall Council