Bridging the Digital Divide:
Your Role in Digital Inclusion
The digital divide is costing our communities and our regional economy billions. Today, 1.2 million people in the West Midlands lack access to the digital skills and tools they need to participate fully in everyday life.
When people can’t get online, we all pay the price.
That’s why WM5G, on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is tackling this crisis head-on — rallying businesses to donate devices, pledge volunteer time, and help build a region where everyone can participate confidently and safely online.
Join organisations across the West Midlands working with us to ensure every resident can access work, public services, financial savings, and essential digital tools.
The challenge is stark:
And the return on action is real:
For every £1 invested in digital inclusion, our region sees an economic return of £9.48.
Your organisation can unlock life-changing opportunities.
Unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones can directly support individuals, families, and community hubs that currently lack access to technology.
Thanks to our accredited recycling partner, SCC Recyclea, every device donated is:
Do you know someone who struggles with technology — or wants to build confidence online? We’re here to help.
Many people feel unsure, anxious, or completely new to using digital devices. Whether it’s a family member, neighbour, friend, or someone you support in your community, our free sessions can help them take their first steps online safely and confidently.
Our training is friendly, patient, and tailored to individual goals. We support people with:
Jack is one of 140,000 young people in the West Midlands without access to a laptop or desktop computer.
Homework becomes a daily struggle. Online lessons feel out of reach. Many families rely solely on mobile phones, making it nearly impossible to submit assignments or use learning platforms built for larger screens.
Without the right device, Jack is already falling behind — and the gap grows every day.
Mary has avoided the internet for years, worried about scams and unsure where to start.
She’s not alone: 240,000 older people in the West Midlands use the internet less than once a month — or not at all.
Top barriers include:
Alan is disabled and doesn’t feel confident navigating the online world. This fear prevents him from accessing services that could support his mental and physical health.
He’s one of at least 150,000 people in the West Midlands facing similar barriers.
The consequences are serious:
Leo is a young jobseeker with ambition, but no home internet or computer. Every job application requires a bus trip to a library or community centre — where computers are limited, queues are long, and deadlines slip away.
Thousands of young people across the West Midlands face the same uphill battle.
The impact is clear:
Offline, Leo’s prospects shrink by the day — through no fault of his own.
Together, we can build a West Midlands where everyone is connected, confident and included.
For press or enquiries: digitalinclusion@wmca.org.uk