Bridging the Digital Divide: Your Role in Digital Inclusion

WM Together

Digital inclusion is a West Midlands emergency – and an urgent opportunity for businesses to lead real change.

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:

600,000 people are not online at all.
600,000 more are online but lack essential skills — from safe shopping and online banking to using the NHS app.

And the return on action is real:

For every £1 invested in digital inclusion, our region sees an economic return of £9.48.

For Corporates: Become a sponsor. Donate devices. Pledge volunteering time.

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:

Securely wiped
Fully tracked
Refurbished to the highest standards
Guaranteed zero waste

Your support delivers dignity, opportunity, and connection.
Join us in powering digital inclusion across the West Midlands.

Donate devices. Volunteer your time. Make a measurable impact.

Become a Sponsor

For Learners: Learn essential digital skills & get online

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:

Getting to know their device
Setting up and using email
Staying safe online and avoiding scams
Using the NHS app and other essential services
Building confidence with everyday digital tasks

And if you are the learner, you’re just as welcome — no prior experience required.

Free places are available (subject to availability).
Let’s help more people across the West Midlands get connected.

Real Stories

Jack’s Story: Trying to do Homework Without a Computer

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’s Story: Afraid of Scams — and Now Feeling Shut Out

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:

Lack of IT skills (36%)
Fear and lack of trust (23%)

This digital disconnect leads to real-world exclusion:

Difficulty accessing council services, banking, better deals, and NHS tools
Reduced social contact
Greater risk of loneliness
Fewer opportunities for remote support

Mary’s fears are real — but they shouldn’t leave her behind. With the right support, her story can change.

Alan’s Story: Fear of Going Online

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:

Paying More: People who are offline or lack skills pay a poverty premium of £478 a year on essential goods and services.
Health Barriers: Those who are digitally excluded are 1.5× more likely to struggle with NHS digital services.

Alan is being left behind — but with the right help, he doesn’t have to be.

Leo’s Story: Locked Out of Job Opportunities

library 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:

Missed opportunities for jobs, training, and interviews
Extra costs for travel and access
Growing stress and lost confidence

Offline, Leo’s prospects shrink by the day — through no fault of his own.

Together, we can close the gap.

Together, we can build a West Midlands where everyone is connected, confident and included.

For press or enquiries: digitalinclusion@wmca.org.uk