CEO thoughts: Digital literacy key tool in war on loneliness
The appointment of Tracey Couch earlier this year as the first minister for loneliness serves as the sharpest indication yet that social isolation across the UK is reaching epidemic proportions. Indeed, according to a December 2017 report from the Jo Cox Commission of Loneliness, more than nine million people across Britain self-identify as feeling often or always lonely.
Protracted periods of loneliness can not only seriously impact on emotional wellbeing; it also has a number of significant physical connotations. For example, a 2015 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal found that chronic loneliness may reduce a person’s ability to fight viral infections. The issue is exacerbated particularly among older people, who may not have any prior digital experience and could be living in sheltered housing away from friends or family.
We see many people who are on lower incomes as part of our work who report feeling isolated and out of the loop thanks to poor online skills. We’ve witnessed first-hand the effect that digital skills training delivered as part of a wider social support programme can have on reducing isolation and helping individuals feel more connected to a wider community.
Whether that’s using the internet to connect with friends via social media, or joining an online dating site, the social benefits that come with digital literacy should not be understated.
Appointing a minister for loneliness is a step in the right direction in tackling the UK’s social isolation crisis, and I’d like to see local authorities across the UK put digital skills training front and centre in their own war on loneliness.
News Archives
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We Are Digital Secures £1.5 Million to Bridge the Digital and Financial divides
(18.06.19)
In a massive boost to our ongoing expansion plans, we have secured £1.5 million in funding, which will be used to hire key staff and make technology upgrades that will allow us to scale our operations and impact. We work … Read more
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Q&A: Kathy Valdes, managing director, Digital Unite
(27.07.18)
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role? A: I’ve worked with Digital Unite for nearly ten years. My current role is managing director. Previously, I worked with housing providers and charities to help provide solutions for … Read more
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Nationwide meets with We Are Digital to discuss digital inclusion
(27.07.18)
Over the past month, Nesta has been busy introducing grant winners of the Inclusive Economy Partnership (IEP) to business and civil society partners. We Are Digital, as one of the companies to receive backing from the IEP, was introduced to … Read more
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Downing Street visit for We Are Digital
(27.07.18)
July saw Matthew Adam, CEO of We Are Digital, was invited to attend an Inclusive Economy Partnership (IEP) reception at Downing Street. The event served as a celebration of businesses which are working to ensure all communities, and the individuals … Read more
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Digital and financial inclusion key to battling poverty premium, says We Are Digital
(27.07.18)
In February 2018, energy watchdog Ofgem announced that it would be raising its maximum price cap by 5.5%. The proposals, which could come into force as early as next year, are likely to be worrying news for some of Britain’s … Read more
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We Are Digital Secures £1.5 Million to Bridge the Digital and Financial divides
18.06.19
In a massive boost to our ongoing expansion plans, we have secured £1.5 million in funding, which will be used to hire key staff and make technology upgrades that will allow us to scale our operations and impact. We work … Read more
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Q&A: Kathy Valdes, managing director, Digital Unite
27.07.18
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role? A: I’ve worked with Digital Unite for nearly ten years. My current role is managing director. Previously, I worked with housing providers and charities to help provide solutions for … Read more
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Nationwide meets with We Are Digital to discuss digital inclusion
27.07.18
Over the past month, Nesta has been busy introducing grant winners of the Inclusive Economy Partnership (IEP) to business and civil society partners. We Are Digital, as one of the companies to receive backing from the IEP, was introduced to … Read more
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