The Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative (DIGI) Partnership has welcomed six new member organisations into its Partnership – significantly strengthening its Gloucestershire-wide work to reduce the digital divide in our community.

Digital exclusion remains a significant barrier to employment, education and accessing online resources. The DIGI Partnership is a county-wide collaboration of eight community organisations. Funded by Gloucestershire County Council, NHS Gloucestershire and UK Government it provides hands-on support to ensure no one is left behind in the digital world. 

The Partnership provides Digi Hubs in community spaces and helps people in their homes through their Digi@Home programme. It also supports a network of Digital Champion volunteers who tackle digital exclusion in their communities.

Technology charity Jangala, digital exclusion organisation ITSA Digital Trust, community organisation GL Communities and the Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub have all joined the DIGI Partnership as Affiliate Members alongside Glos Libraries and specialist teaching organisation Grow-SM. 

Alex Digby from the Gloucestershire DIGI Partnership said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce these new Affiliate Members. All six bring considerable expertise in technology, education, training and community building. Their support will make a huge difference to our work and ensure we are creating a truly connected Gloucestershire.”

Elizabeth Hendry, Head of Programmes at Jangala said: “Jangala designs and delivers technology that connects people to the internet where it’s most needed, at no cost to end users. We’re looking forward to expanding our support across the county and having this opportunity to work with and learn from DIGI Partners in order to create a meaningful, lasting impact for communities in Gloucestershire.”

Cathy Griffiths, CEO of GL Communities, said: “I’m delighted that GL Communities has joined the DIGI Partnership as an affiliate partner. This collaboration strengthens our ability to help narrow Gloucestershire’s digital divide, as we continue to work alongside people and communities through support, learning and connection.”

Geoffrey Newsome, CEO of ITSA Digital Trust, added: “For over 20 years, we have supported people facing digital exclusion by providing access to refurbished IT equipment and IT skills. We share a common mission with the DIGI Partnership and have worked together informally since 2019. Now, as an affiliate member of the DIGI Partnership we will be able to co-ordinate efforts and deliver greater impact in reducing Gloucestershire’s ‘digital divide’.”

Vikki Walters, Strategic Lead for Inclusive Employment at the Gloucestershire Employment and Skills Hub, said: “Many of the people we support face digital barriers that hold them back from employment or education. Joining the DIGI Partnership strengthens our ability to offer practical, person‑centred support and ensure no one is excluded from opportunities because they lack digital skills or access. Together, we can remove digital barriers and improve access to work, learning, and essential services across Gloucestershire.”

To find out more about how you can be involved or get support contact us or mail to: hello@glosdigi.org.uk

Two local charities, The Churn Project and Cotswold Friends have stepped up to help residents across The Cotswolds access free digital support by becoming part of the county-wide Gloucestershire DIGI (Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Initiative) Partnership. 

Their work gives people access to local Digi Hubs. These are welcoming spaces where anyone can drop in for support with technology, whether that’s setting up a phone, accessing GP services online, managing benefits, or connecting with loved ones. The Churn Project will be leading on digital inclusion in the South Cotswolds, while Cotswold Friends will cover the North Cotswolds area. Both organisations are also part of the Gloucestershire-wide Digital Champion Network, training volunteers to share digital skills and confidence with others in their communities.

This work is part of the wider Gloucestershire DIGI Partnership, a county-wide collaboration of nine community organisations tackling digital exclusion. The partnership’s Digi Hubs Project, funded by Gloucester County Council and NHS Gloucestershire, aims to ensure no one is left behind as more of our lives move online. 

Margaret, aged 78 in Cirencester, had been struggling to keep in touch with her grandchildren on her phone and felt left behind when banking, healthcare, and other services moved online. She visited her local Digi Hub, based at her local Friendship Café, where volunteers showed her how to use video calling and access the NHS App. “I feel like the world has opened up again,” Mary said. “Before, I felt cut off, but now I feel more in control. It’s given me so much confidence.”

Sarah Bourne CEO at The Churn Project said: “We see every day how important it is for people to feel connected and confident in a digital world. This new partnership means we can offer even more support to people helping them to get access to vital services, reduce isolation and feel part of their community.”

Joanne Hammond CEO at Cotswold Friends said: “Many people, whether managing day-to-day online tasks or seeking work can feel left behind by technology. By becoming part of this initiative, we can give people the skills, confidence and reassurance they need to use digital tools safely and independently, improving their wellbeing and life chances.”

Alex Digby from the Gloucestershire DIGI Partnership said: “We are thrilled to welcome The Churn Project and Cotswold Friends into the Partnership and as Cotswold district leads for the Digi Hubs Project. Both organisations have deep roots in their communities and a wealth of experience supporting local people. Their involvement will make a huge difference in ensuring digital inclusion across the Cotswolds, helping us to create a truly connected Gloucestershire.”