Greater Manchester wide digital support
- Support is on offer via each of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities, this could include things like device loaning or donation schemes, click on relevant local authority area below to find local support.
- The Digital Exclusion Risk Index (DERI) tool, for England, Wales and Scotland, has been developed in response to local authorities finding digital exclusion a significant challenge for residents and communities during the pandemic. Find out more and use the DERI tool.
Regional and national support
- Support is also available nationally to help you get online, with relevant links available below
Support for citizens with connectivity
- The GM Databank will help support residents on low incomes from becoming at further disadvantage by being unable to access the opportunities digital access brings. Find out more on the databank and how a community organisation can sign up to access the support on offer.
- Social tariffs can provide a safety net for eligible households who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services.
- Good Things Foundation guide for charities, community groups and organisations which reach and support people who are struggling to afford the internet because of poverty and the cost of living. It is especially for organisations which are not specialist providers of debt or money advice. Find out more on the guide and download.
- Connectivity support specifically for jobseekers. TalkTalk has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to offer six months of free broadband to jobseekers across the UK. The free broadband voucher scheme was trialled in Greater Manchester and Cheshire during the second lockdown last year. And thanks to its success, it’s now being planned for rollout across the UK. Find out more on the TalkTalk/DWP initiative.
Support with digital skills
- There’s lots of digital skills training on offer across Greater Manchester, and some other great resources for anyone wishing to improve their digital skills.
Digital support for care leavers
- A new, first of its kind pilot has been launched to support care leavers in Salford to get online and benefit from the opportunities the digital world brings. The pilot, which is now live in Salford, will support 40 care leavers with a comprehensive package of support including access to free data for 12 months, free devices through the Salford Council device donation scheme and free digital skills training to support them to build their skills and confidence online.
Digital support for social housing residents
Digital support for older people
Support for younger people
- Download a fact sheet on the current digital support available across the region for young people.
- The GM Tech Fund was first set up in 2020, and has supported over 3,537 people to date, with the technology and connectivity needed to continue their learning at home whilst schools and colleges were closed. Donations received in phase three of the GM Tech Fund will be used to support students from Pupil Referral Unit’s, alternative education provision for young people who are not able to attend mainstream school, and Special Educational Need and Disabilities schools. Further information on the GM Tech Fund is available.
Support with online safety
- Cyber security is how individuals and organisations reduce the risk of cyber attack. Visit the cyber security page to find a list of existing resources.
