Charities and community organisations across the Swansea Bay City Region are receiving new support to tackle digital exclusion through social value commitments linked to the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme.
Digital Inclusion Funds provided by suppliers delivering capital-funded projects are being used to help organisations improve digital access, purchase devices and extend services to people at risk of being digitally excluded.
Virgin Media O2 has provided funding to Age Cymru Dyfed and Helping Pembrokeshire go Digital, while BT has supported PLANED’s Carmarthen Living Well Centre, Faith in Families in Swansea, and Neath Boys and Girls Club.
The funding is supporting digital sessions and helping community organisations invest in equipment to improve access to online services.
Alongside its support for community groups, BT is working with Pembrokeshire County Council to explore the creation of paid training placements for residents facing barriers to employment.
The proposed initiative would offer participants hands-on experience while developing digital and workplace skills, with the aim of creating pathways into future employment.
A number of community organisations have also received five years of free full-fibre broadband through social value commitments associated with the Dark Fibre East project, delivered in partnership with Virgin Media O2.
Recipients include The Sunflower Lounge, Taibach Community Library, Swansea Mosque, South Penlan Community Centre, Helping Pembrokeshire go Digital and the Me, Myself and I Community Hub.
The support is intended to help reduce isolation, improve access to essential online services and open up education and employment opportunities.
Other initiatives are targeting digital skills and data poverty. Through work linked to the National Institute of Sport and Health, Vodafone-donated SIM cards and refurbished devices are being made available through the Good Things Foundation to help people get online and stay connected.
Further social value activity is also expected through ITS as part of the Dark Fibre Carmarthenshire project.
Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said:
“Our commitment to social value is central to the contracts we agree with suppliers.
“We've seen some fantastic collaborations between our local digital champions and the companies improving our region's digital infrastructure, and it's great to see how that is now having a positive impact on charities, community groups and individuals.
“The social value being delivered is helping to strengthen services, improve digital skills, and support a more inclusive digital future for local people.”
Charities and community interest companies operating in Swansea or Neath Port Talbot and supporting digital inclusion can also express an interest in receiving five years of free Virgin Media Business broadband, with download speeds of up to 1,000Mbps.
Organisations interested in the offer are being encouraged to contact their local Digital Champion for further information.
