Get Online Week 2023

We were delighted to be involved in Get Online Week this year. It’s UK’s largest digital inclusion campaign, led by Good Things Foundation and including thousands of community organisations across the UK hosting local events to help people get online and get connected.

This has been a great chance to raise the profile of digital inclusion and think about what we can do as organisations – and people – to help more people connect with others online and access essential digital services.

What is digital inclusion?

The United Nations defines it as “equitable, meaningful, and safe access to use, lead, and design of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone, everywhere”.

As essential services, jobs, and social lives move increasingly online, a lack of digital skills and access can have a hugely negative impact on a person’s life. Good Things Foundation has found that it can lead to poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, and reduced access to jobs and education. It also means paying more for essentials, financial exclusion, and an increased risk of experiencing poverty.

What is being done to tackle this problem?

Nominet, who support and provide funding to Good Things Foundation as well as Getting Oxfordshire Online, put together this video explaining how we’re working together at the national and regional level to help people.

How can I help?

We’d love to hear from you if you are interested to help out. We are looking for:

• Devices: laptops up to 12 years old and tablets and phones up to six years old.
• Volunteers: perhaps you’d like to help support people who need help to stay safe online, join the team refurbishing devices, or share other skills, for example to help us improve our own presence online. Contact your local hub to discuss your ideas.
• Funds: we are very grateful to our current funders; if you’d like to support, you can donate on our homepage or get in touch for grant fundraising or sponsorship.