Tackling the Digital Divide in Greater Manchester

CAM is one of 30 Greater Manchester organisations funded as part of a new community digital skills project, run by Good Things Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authority and funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. 

To meet the needs of an increasingly digital economy and extend the reach of learning opportunities to underrepresented groups, Breaking Digital Barriers will provide informal, community-based digital skills provision as well as formal essential Digital Skills training, delivered by adult education providers. 

Despite widespread internet access, there is still a deep divide in Greater Manchester between those who have the digital skills and confidence to benefit fully and those who do not. According to Ofcom, 32.4% of people in the North West are limited users of the internet.

Helen Milner, Group Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation says: “Fixing the digital divide is about more than supporting people who are ‘offline’ so they can go ‘online’. A significant number of people only use the internet in a ‘limited’ way - often reflecting a lack of affordable internet and/or digital skills and/or confidence and motivation. 

We’re delighted to be working with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Citizens Advice Manchester on this project, which will go some way to overcoming those barriers.”

Kurtis Massey, our IT and Digital Manager said: “Being involved in this project run by Good Things Foundation and Greater Manchester Combined Authority enables us to support Manchester residents to gain the essential digital skills that many take for granted. 

It is predicted that within 20 years 90% of all jobs will require digital skills of some level - being part of this project ensures that we’re doing our part to break down digital barriers while putting residents on a pathway to gaining positive life skills, employability skills, advice and guidance which will help many find a way forward.

Remy Williams, our Digital Inclusion and Engagement Officer said:  “At Citizens Advice Manchester we recognise that the digital world is a vital part of people’s lives. When advising our clients we have noticed the majority of services clients need to use are only accessible digitally. Unfortunately, this can leave a growing amount of people missing out on resources and information which they can benefit from. 

We are working alongside Manchester City Council with the ambition for all residents to become digitally included by 2023. At CAM we are aiming to achieve this by helping  people feel safe and confident online and be supported to develop their skills in an increasingly digital world.

Having the opportunity to deliver the Community Digital Skills Pathway project is an amazing way that we can practically engage excluded Manchester residents in the digital world whilst empowering them to gain life and employability skills.”