The Digital Inclusion Project, led by Ekota Academy in partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has been successfully delivered, creating meaningful and lasting change for residents across the borough.

Through this ambitious project, over 4,000 residents received vital support to get online, build confidence with technology, and develop essential digital skills. Residents were able to borrow laptops or tablets from their local libraries and take part in free digital skills sessions, alongside one‑to‑one support delivered in welcoming, trusted community spaces.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, the project transformed six Barking and Dagenham libraries into vibrant Digital Inclusion Hubs. These hubs offered residents:

  • Digital skills training sessions
  • Short‑ and long‑term loans of laptops and tablets
  • Over 1,000 free data packages
  • One‑to‑one help with everyday digital tasks
  • Support to improve employability, access services, and stay connected

A dedicated network of over 30 local Digital Champions, along with library staff, played a crucial role in the project’s success, offering friendly, patient guidance and helping residents overcome barriers to digital access.

Launching the project, Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said:

“We’re so proud to have secured almost half a million pounds in government funding for Barking and Dagenham residents. This project is about breaking down barriers and making digital skills more accessible. Through this brilliant partnership with Ekota Academy, we’re supporting 3,000 people to gain confidence, develop essential skills and better navigate the technology that plays such an important role in everyday life.”

Real Impact for Residents

Before support:

“Before I got support, I wasn’t confident using my phone or the internet. I could do basic things like calls and messages, but anything more than that felt confusing. Filling out online forms or downloading apps stressed me out.”

“I didn’t know how to use emails properly and often missed important messages.”

After support:

“What I found most helpful was how friendly and understanding everyone was. I never felt rushed or judged for not knowing anything.”

“They showed me step by step how to send emails and stay safe online.”

A Lasting Digital Legacy

The impact of the Digital Inclusion Project continues beyond its initial delivery. Residents can continue to borrow laptops and tablets from their local libraries and keep attending digital skills sessions, ensuring ongoing access to learning, support, and connectivity.

By embedding device lending and training within libraries, the project has created a sustainable model of digital inclusion, helping residents remain confident, connected, and independent as digital skills become essential for everyday life.

🔗 Find out full details about the Digital Inclusion Project:
https://libraries.lbbd.gov.uk/digital-content/libraries-for-all/digital-inclusion-project