Help to get online

We are more reliant on phone and internet networks than ever and it is vital that people can access services which have become increasingly dependent on digital connectivity.

Leicestershire County Council is working with partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors to help people get online and use digital services.

This page will signpost you to resources if you need help to get online.

Digital inclusion

Digital inclusion can make a significant difference to both residents and businesses. For residents, this could mean:

• Keeping in touch with family, friends and communities
• Finding new opportunities, working from home, and learning new skills
• Helping children to access resources and learn from home
• Paying bills online and comparing prices
• Accessing entertainment online

For businesses, this could mean:

• Finding new ways of connecting with customers
• Reducing operational costs and increasing productivity
• Accessing a diverse and skilled workforce from across the globe
• Ensuring business continuity and reliability

There are also broader, overarching benefits to digital inclusion which help to address wider social and economic issues such as:

• Reducing social isolation
• Mitigating the impact of climate change
• Supporting economic growth

Free Wifi at Leicestershire libraries

Leicestershire libraries have free Wifi and library members are allowed a maximum of two hours per day free computer use.

Many libraries also offer a range of digital skills courses. Ask at your local library, or find out more about the County Council’s library services.

Refurb IT

Refurb IT is a scheme to tackle digital exclusion by refurbishing unwanted and unused IT devices for reuse in the community.

The scheme is led by Reaching People, funded by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and supported by De Montfort University.

Individuals, organisations and businesses are encouraged to donate their unwanted laptops, tablets and smartphones which are refurbished at no cost. The device is then delivered through local charities and partners who support digitally excluded individuals and communities.

For more information on Refurb IT, how to request a device as a VCSE organisation or how to donate go to Reaching People’s website.

Local digital inclusion hubs

The National Digital Inclusion Network is made up of organisations across the UK working to bridge the digital divide. These organisations are called ‘digital inclusion hubs’, and offer digital inclusion support including free mobile data, free devices like laptops and phones, and free beginner digital skills training.

Leicestershire digital inclusion hubs offering support are:

Coalville C.A.N – providing free digital support services. See www.coalvillecan.coop

Coalville New Life Church – providing free digital support services, free mobile data and delivering free digital skills training. See www.newlifechurchcoalville.co.uk

MRC Community Action Coalville – providing free digital support services. See www.mrc.uk.net

Enrych Coalville – providing free digital support services. See www.enrych.org.uk

Citizens Advice Charnwood – providing free digital support services and free mobile data. See www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

Living Without Abuse Loughborough – providing free digital support services, free mobile data and delivering free digital skills training. See www.lwa.org.uk

Several hubs are also located within Leicester City. To find these inclusion hubs, see the interactive map on the Good Things Foundation website at The National Digital Inclusion Network | The Good Things Foundation