The last year has seen a rise in homeworking and the inextricable need for many people and organisations to increase their capacity to work and communicate online . This has exacerbated digital access inequalities, and has forced many to be ‘digitally excluded’. A focus on digital inclusion is therefore a necessity.
This month, Andy Burnham was re-elected as Greater Manchester’s Metro Mayor. He has since pledged to aim to equip all under 25s, over 75s and disabled members of the community with the skills and technology to engage with our ever increasing digital society. Through the newly established Digital Inclusion Action Network, Burnham will work with organisations to help extinguish digital exclusion in the city region.
Since 2020 and the Greater Manchester Technology Fund launch, over 1,300 disadvantged young people have been helped with a “digital kit bundle”, which includes a laptop or tablet and tools to get online.
