Celebrating Digital Inclusion Hubs: Hub of the Month

August's Hub of the Month is…

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC)

Gotherington's digital support group is a grassroots initiative that has become a vital resource for fostering digital inclusion and community connection in a rural area. 

The group, founded to empower residents, began with just eight residents and has since expanded to a monthly gathering of 12-15 attendees.

A core component of the project is hands-on peer support.

To address the local challenge of poor mobile signal, the group teaches residents how to use Wi-Fi calling. Participants also use a WhatsApp group chat to practice messaging and stay in touch, which has significantly improved their digital literacy and reduced social isolation.

The project has also created new educational resources, such as "how-to" guides for iPhones and Androids, which are shared with the broader community.

The partnership with the National Digital Inclusion Network provides access to key resources such as Learn My Way platform that provides structured, easy-to-follow training that complements the one-to-one support offered by group volunteers.

The group also uses the National Databank to secure free mobile data for residents. Access to GRCC's device bank allows the group to provide second-hand equipment, giving individuals the opportunity to get online for the first time.

A massive congratulations to Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC), and thank you for all your hard work to fix the digital divide.

Apply to be our next Hub of the Month!

We love celebrating the fantastic hubs in our network. Every month our winning hub receives a £100 Currys voucher with a mention in our newsletter and on our social channels. 

You can now nominate your own hub or another to be our Hub of the Month. This is your opportunity to shout about the amazing things you are doing and receive some well-earned recognition! If you believe your hub (or another) deserves to be celebrated, please share the details and nominate through this form.

Previous Hubs of the Month:

A huge well done to all the hubs who work hard everyday to help their local communities to get connected and build their confidence.