Digital Inclusion Initiative
Learn about the project and the impact it's had on residents of the Liverpool City Region
The Digital Inclusion Initiative (DII) is a new, ground-breaking, industry-led programme, committed to bridging the digital divide by improving digital skills, enhancing lives, and stimulating economic growth.
By providing over 4,500 tablets, sim cards (with 6 months of internet connectivity) and in-person digital skills training to digitally excluded individuals, we are ensuring no one is left behind in the modern digital world.
Lloyds Banking Group, Vodafone UK and Assurant have fully funded the initiative, with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority facilitating its rollout locally and logistical support by FRC Group.
Each person received a free Android tablet, with six months of connectivity (provided by Vodafone), alongside in-person digital skills training.
To reach those most in need, we worked in partnership with members of our Digital Inclusion Network to roll out this programme. This included voluntary sector organisations, other local authorities and service providers.
The DII is a partnership programme funded by:
Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds Bank believe that both financial and digital capability are enablers to everyday life. Including people’s ability to manage their money, find a job and build or grow a business. Our aim is to help provide the access, ability and ambition to improve these skills, driven through our own activities but also utilising the power of partnerships.
Vodafone UK
Vodafone UK is a technology communications company that is committed to helping everyone in the UK enjoy the benefits of a digital society regardless of their age, ethnicity, background, or ability. By providing the connectivity in this programme, they are helping to bridge the digital divide, enabling thousands of residents online.
Assurant
Assurant is a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products, and other specialty products.
The Combined Authority is committed to building a co-ordinated and connected digital inclusion ecosystem, where our residents are empowered to make the most of a modern digital life online. Across our 1.6 million residents, it is estimated that 28% have the lowest digital capability, preventing them from participating fully in society – whether that’s engaging with their friends and family online, renewing their prescriptions through the NHS App, or accessing council services digitally.
Hundreds of thousands more lack the required digital devices or connectivity to engage, with the barriers of access and affordability preventing many from engaging further online. The need to work in partnership with organisations across the industry is critical in tackling this challenge together.
Free phone-based support open to Lloyds Bank customers, their friends, and their family. Support for not only online banking, but for other things too.
In partnership with the Digital Helpline, Lloyds are offering free 1-2-1 training sessions that are tailor-made to your needs. You can call for an initial chat and they’ll try to help you with any queries there and then.
Call: 0345 222 0333
