Three adults, including an older man using a laptop, are supported by two others. They appear focused and engaged. The left side of the image features the text "Digital Inclusion Project" on a dark teal background with abstract shapes.

Digital Inclusion Project 2025 – 2026

Digital inclusion is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from digital technology. Being online helps people stay connected, access important services, explore learning or job opportunities, and feel less isolated.

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, local organisations have set up digital hub services across the city. Each hub is led by trained Digital Champions who support people to build their digital confidence and skills.

Take a look at the upcoming Digital Inclusion Programme Events

10 February - Online Safety - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Online Safety

Date: Tuesday 10 February
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Venue: Online

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
This course covers critical topics such as identifying cyber threats, safeguarding personal data, promoting responsible digital behaviour, and supporting others in recognizing and mitigating online risks. Participants will learn how to create safe digital environments, advocate for best practices, and confidently guide others in navigating the digital landscape securely.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.

10 February - Safeguarding for home visits - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Safeguarding for home visits

Date: Tuesday 10 February
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
The course covers key principles of safeguarding, including recognising signs of abuse or neglect, maintaining personal safety, and respecting clients’ privacy and dignity. Participants will learn practical strategies for managing challenging situations, understanding legal and ethical responsibilities, and effectively reporting concerns.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.

11 February - Mental Health Awareness - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Mental health awareness

Date: Wednesday 11 February
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Venue: Online

Provided by: Mind

Course Summary:
This course will help develop an understand as to what mental health and wellbeing is

  • Dispel stigma surrounding mental health issues
  • Recognise the signs of mental health and wellbeing
  • Be aware of common mental health conditions and treatments
  • Explore ways to support others
  • Examine ways of maintaining our own mental health and wellbeing
  • Look at available resources

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for. 

13 February - Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count

Date: Friday 13 February
Time: 9:30am -12:30pm
Venue: Online

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
Attendees will be equipped with the skills to effectively encourage and motivate others toward healthier behaviours, making a significant impact with every contact they have.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for. 

27 February - Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Signposting Skills: Making Every Contact Count

Date: Friday 27 February
Time: 10:00am -1:00pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
Attendees will be equipped with the skills to effectively encourage and motivate others toward healthier behaviours, making a significant impact with every contact they have.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for. 

3 March - Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices

Date: Tuesday 3 March
Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Online

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
A comprehensive understanding of how to leverage smart speakers for everyday convenience and enhanced living. This course covers essential features such as voice-activated commands, smart home integration, and accessibility options, enabling users to streamline tasks like setting reminders, controlling home devices, and accessing information hands-free.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.

17 March - Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Alexa! What Can you do for me? Voice Activated Devices

Date: Tuesday 17 March
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Clifton Explore Library, York

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
A comprehensive understanding of how to leverage smart speakers for everyday convenience and enhanced living. This course covers essential features such as voice-activated commands, smart home integration, and accessibility options, enabling users to streamline tasks like setting reminders, controlling home devices, and accessing information hands-free.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.

20 March - Motivational Interviewing / Coaching - Digital Inclusion Programme

Funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of free training courses is available covering several topics.

Course name: Motivational Interviewing / Coaching

Date: Tuesday 20 March
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Online

Provided by: North Yorkshire Council Adult Learning and Skills Service

Course Summary:
Practical training in techniques to inspire and facilitate personal change. Participants will learn the core principles of motivational interviewing, including how to build rapport, explore and resolve ambivalence, and encourage self-efficacy. The course focuses on effective communication strategies, active listening, and goalsetting to support individuals in making and sustaining positive behavioural changes.

Course Booking:  To book a course please email michael.fletcher@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk 

Please put the name and the date of the course you wish to book in the title of the email e.g. Safe and Social 28th November. 

Within the email include the full name of the individual attending the course and their email, as well as organisation (if applicable). You can book multiple individuals on the same course using one email, but please send separate emails for each different course you are looking to make bookings for.

About the funding

Funding for this programme was provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Grants were available to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, Public Sector bodies and Primary Care providers to develop locally-based digital support projects.

Michael Fletcher and Jane Granville stand beside a York CVS Pull up banner.
Our role

York CVS supported York-based organisations throughout the application process. This included offering tailored guidance, answering queries, and encouraging a wide range of organisations to apply.

We also contributed to the funding appraisal process by reviewing and scoring applications from across York and North Yorkshire to help inform decisions.

Now that funding has been awarded, we continue to support the funded projects. We provide guidance, attend monthly Digital Inclusion Network meetings, and lead on monitoring York-based projects to make sure they meet their agreed outcomes.

Digital Inclusion Programme

Service Directory

This directory lists the digital inclusion services available in York and North Yorkshire, including what each hub offers and how to get in touch.

Aphasia Support

Supporting people with aphasia through loaned iPads, specialist speech therapy apps, expert-led digital hubs and technical support.

Contact: James Major Email: Jamesmajor@aphasiasupport.org Tel: 0300 102 3500 Location: Balne Lane Community Centre, Wakefield, WF2 0DP
City of York Council

Integrating digital inclusion into York’s mental health hubs through social prescribing, Digital Buddies and tailored group and one-to-one support.

Contact: Rachel Parker Email: rachel.parker@yorkmind.org.uk Location: People Directorate, West Offices, Station Rise, York YO1 6HT
Community Connect: Access Amplified

Building community digital capacity in Micklegate through peer support, shared devices and local Digital Champions.

Email: communityconnect.brp@gmail.com Location: St Clements Church, Scarcroft Rd, York YO23 1NF and The Collective Sharehouse, Clements Hall
Community Furniture Store

Expanding IT ReUse into a digital support hub, providing refurbished devices, Digital Champion support and volunteer skills development.

Contact: Jayme Shea Email: Jayme@cfstores.org.uk Tel: 01904 235026 Location: The Raylor Centre, James St, York YO10 3DW
Eimaan Culture and Community Services CIC

Helping ethnic minority groups develop digital skills and confidence to access online services and resources.

Contact: Shamim Eimaan Email: shamim.eimaan@eimaanccs.co.uk Tel: 07512 269203 Location: 72 Cherry Wood Crescent, YO19 4QN
Explore Libraries and Archives

The project will help people access essential health services and information through guided one-to-one and group digital sessions. The courses focus on accessing health and well-being services such as using the NHS app and booking doctors’ appointments. The sessions also assist older people with navigating online resources that support their physical and mental well-being.

Contact: Katie Atkinson Email: katie.atkinson@exploreyork.org.uk Tel: 01904 552655 Location: Tang Hall Explore, The Centre@Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, Tang Hall, York, YO31 0HA
MySight York

Helping blind and partially sighted people through one-to-one tech support, digital cafés, and peer mentoring to build skills and confidence.

Email: hello@mysightyork.org Tel: 01904 636269 Location: Ground Floor, 84-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL
North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP)

Working with SEND pupils and families to build confidence in online safety and introduce future learning and job paths.

Contact: Lauren Atkin Email: lauren@nybep.org.uk Tel: 07498 902170 Location: IT Centre, Innovation Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NP
Refugee Action York

Empowering refugees and asylum seekers through tailored digital support embedded in weekly sessions, enabling confident access to health, education, benefits and essential online services.

Contact: Tetyana Lunyova Email: Tetyana@refugeeactionyork.com Tel: 07355 667807 Location: Clifton Children's Centre, Kingsway N, York YO30 6JA
York Learning

Delivering roadshows in digitally excluded areas of York to support access to local authority services and digital skills.

Contact: Misoon El-Gomati Email: misoon.el-gomati@york.gov.uk Tel: 07860 693602 / 01904 554277 Location: West Offices, Station Rise, York YO1 6GA
A collection of partner and funder logos for the Digital Inclusion project. The logos are North Yorkshire Council, Community First Yorkshire, York CVS, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and City of York Council