Oldham pledges to be one of the most “digitally inclusive” towns in the UK

Organisations across the borough gathered to pledge their commitment to making Oldham one of the most digitally inclusive towns in the UK.

Working in collaboration with community interest company, Inclusive Bytes, Oldham Council will work collectively with partners to increase the number of residents who can access digital services 15 minutes from home.

Thanks to £70,000 of funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), Inclusive Bytes will work with partners to encourage organisations to create a clear digital support offer for residents as part of a joined-up approach for our borough.

A key part of this will be the creation of H.O.O.T Hubs (Hands On Opportunities in Tech) – dedicated hubs across public spaces in Oldham that residents can go to for digital support, including help getting online, filling in an online form or accessing digital resources.

The funding will also be used to promote awareness of social tariffs and increase the number of organisations that have dedicated digital champions and data banks.

Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader, said: “The launch of this initiative is a pioneering step forward for defeating digital poverty in Oldham. We have made a clear commitment today to addressing and fixing the issues that lie at the heart of challenges our residents face daily.

“Not having access to digital services has a day-to-day impact from health, education, work to finances and we’re grateful to be investing this funding to establish Oldham as one of the most digitally inclusive boroughs in the UK.”

Andy Powell, co-founder at Inclusive Bytes, said: “The digital divide can only be narrowed by understanding the problems that people face – only then can we empower individuals and organisations to make better use of technology.

“Technology isn’t for specialists; everyone can and should have access to digital support and be empowered to help friends, family and neighbours to make the most of it too.”