Support and help to get online
Today, access to the internet is increasingly needed to carry out many everyday tasks, such as banking, shopping, learning, or applying for a job or benefits. Even in situations where you don't have to use the internet, you may find you are paying more and getting less choices available to you if you don't.
Services such as games, podcasts, streaming music, and TV channels mean that a huge variety of entertainment media is available to internet users.
Aside from the ease of access to complete everyday tasks at home at a time that is convenient to you, or the huge choice of available entertainment, the internet offers useful ways to keep in touch with family and friends, which helps to combat loneliness or isolation. For those with health or mobility issues, access to medical services to make and conduct appointments online or order repeat prescriptions, for example, can be life changing.
In order to be able to get online, three key things are needed:
- Affordable connectivity: an inexpensive broadband connection to your house, or a strong mobile phone signal along with a service contract that gives data usage at an affordable price.
- A device available for you to use: a personal computer (PC), a laptop, or a smartphone or tablet.
- The skills needed to know how to use your device safely and confidently on the internet, and be able to avoid online crime and scams.
If you are missing one or more of these three factors, you are not alone. In September 2024, the charity Good Things Foundation estimated that between 15 - 20% of UK citizens, children or households are affected by limited digital access. The good news is that there is help available to overcome digital exclusion, some of which are listed below. Please note that some of these services may require evidence of benefits eligibility to take advantage of them.
Connectivity
- Check what connectivity is available at your address on Ofcom's website.
- Find the best prices for connectivity at your home using a price comparison website such as MoneySuperMarket or thinkbroadband.com
- Explore social tariffs for cheaper broadband and phone packages.
- For information on the availability of free data plans for mobile phones, you can visit:
Devices
If the cost of a new PC or smartphone puts them out of your reach, there are alternatives.
- Find local digital inclusion support on the Good Things Foundation website
- Free laptops for students and adults on Universal Credit
- Refurbished computers via Get Online at Home
Skills and confidence
If you need help to build your digital skills, free courses are available both online and in-person.
Many local libraries or council offices offer access to computers if you don't have one to use for online training.
Online
- Barclays Digital Wings
- Lloyds Bank Academy: Get started online
- Open University digital skills short course
Local providers
There are a range of courses available from local providers, some of which may also be free of charge to eligible learners.
All links correct as of March 2025.
