Durham University launches new project to address digital inclusion in North East England
- gracebell7
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Durham University is launching a new project to strengthen digital inclusion and address longstanding digital inequalities across North East England.
The project, titled ‘Trusted connections: Where digital skills meet community’ will address technical barriers as well as socio-cultural challenges that can negatively impact people’s trust and confidence in using the internet.
The work will support four priority groups: young people, unemployed adults, NEET young people (not in education, employment or training) and adults aged 55 and over.
The project will run for six-months and has received £234,854 from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.
Dr Cristina Costa and Dr Michaela Oliver from Durham University’s School of Education will lead the project, supported by community organisations across the region.
The team has already co-developed a shared definition of digital inclusion tailored to the needs of the North East communities they will work with.
Their framework sets out four pillars of digital inclusion that will guide the project’s activities:
Access: Ensuring people have affordable, high-quality devices and inclusive supporting structures that enable full participation in digital life.
Digital literacies: Supporting foundational and advanced skills for everyday life, work, and social engagement.
Agency and empowerment: Helping individuals build confidence and trust in digital spaces, enabling them not only to consume but also create and collaborate online.
Inclusive participation and support: Creating community-based opportunities for connection, learning, and overall wellbeing.
Dr Costa said: “Ultimately, digital inclusion is about more than simply getting people online.
“It is about building trusted, human-centred digital experiences and environments where everyone can participate fully, safely and ethically, and where people can develop shared digital cultural knowledge that enriches their everyday lives.”
Dr Oliver added, “Having this opportunity to serve members of the North East community is a real privilege.
“We are committed to ensuring our communities benefit from the support and mentorship the project offers.”
A central outcome of the initiative will be the creation and training of a network of community-based digital champions.
They will collaborate with partner organisations to deliver a wide range of digital literacy sessions across the region.
The project will culminate in a Festival of Digital Culture to celebrate community achievements and explore ways to sustain the programme beyond the six-month funded period.
Durham University is working with the following organisations to deliver the programme; Digital Safety CIC, Born Good, Let’s Connect, Sacriston Youth Project, Auxillia Youth Services, Pact House and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation.
