Digital inclusion and wellbeing hub

The digital inclusion and wellbeing hub provides practical, community-focused workshops that build digital confidence, improve online safety, support digital wellbeing and increase access to essential services. Delivered in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the programme helps communities and organisations tackle digital exclusion and promote meaningful digital participation.

How do we support communities?

The digital inclusion and wellbeing hub provides community-focused, inclusive and hands-on learning grounded in real-life digital needs. Activities are adaptable for different ages, confidence levels, access needs and local contexts, with flexible delivery through drop-ins, small-group sessions, structured courses and one-to-one support.

Led by Dr Anandadeep Mandal at the University of Birmingham, the programme brings together two connected pathways. Digital literacy workshops build practical capability in using devices, accessing NHS and council services, digital finance, communication, online safety, work and learning. Digital wellbeing workshops build digital agency through greater confidence, safer online behaviour, social connection, healthier digital habits, AI awareness, privacy and responsible technology use.

The programme is impact-led, focusing on confidence, task completion, safety, independence and next-step goals, helping participants move from digital uncertainty towards practical capability, confidence, safety and agency.

Who can participate?

The programme is designed for inclusive community delivery. Workshops can be adapted by age, prior experience, confidence, language, access needs and local context.

People who feel nervous or uncertain about technology.
Older and retired adults who want practical digital support at a comfortable pace.
Residents who need help accessing NHS, council, financial or other essential online services.
Families and intergenerational groups who want to build skills together.
Job-seekers and adult learners who need digital tools for employment or study.
Young people who would benefit from stronger awareness of privacy, safety and responsible digital use.
People seeking healthier and more purposeful digital habits.
Organisations such as, community centers, libraries, health and social care teams, schools, colleges, adult learning provides, neighbourhood hubs, public or private service organisations, charities, etc.

What is our delivery model?

The workshops are intentionally flexible. A partner can commission a one-off themed session, a short series, a progressive learning pathway or a community drop-in model.

Community drop-in for participants with varied needs and questions.
Small group workshops for focused learning with peer support.
Structured courses for progressive capabilities and wellbeing development.
Digital buddy/ one-to-one for personalised pacing.
Partner-tailored programme for libraries, community hubs, health, social-care, and public services.

The Digital literacy and digital wellbeing programme provides a valuable opportunity to connect community experience with wider work on digital inclusion and inclusive growth. We welcome the opportunity to engage with the workshops and learn directly from the experiences and needs of Birmingham communities.
Si Chun Lam
Head of Research, Intelligence and Inclusive Growth West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

How do we evaluate outcomes?

Evaluation remains simple and proportionate while capturing meaningful evidence of change. The framework is:

Before the workshop

Capture participants' goals, concerns, baseline confidence and primary device use.
Example question: What would you like to be able to do online?
Evidence: Short baseline assessment or facilitator notes.

During the workshop

Capture task completion, questions asked and the level of support required.
Example observation: Can the participant complete the activity with less support than before?
Evidence: Facilitator observations and session notes.

After the workshop

Capture changes in confidence, intended next steps and willingness to apply newly learned skills.
Example question: What do you now feel more confident doing?
Evidence: Short post-session feedback.

Follow-up (where feasible)

Capture whether participants have used the skills independently after the workshop.
Example question: Have you used the skill independently since the session?
Evidence: Follow-up feedback, testimonials or case studies.

Our reach and impact

The programme has observed measurable changes in confidence, capability, safety, independence and digital agency.

What has been the hub's community reach?

Workshops have been delivered across Birmingham, including community locations in Yardley, Northfield and Sutton Coldfield. Individual workshops have involved approximately 15 participants on average, supporting hands-on learning and tailored assistance.

What changes have been observed in the participants?

Examples of observed changes include:

Greater confidence and independence in everyday digital life: Participants became more confident using devices, websites and apps, enabling them to complete online tasks, access essential services and communicate digitally with less support.

Improved online safety and awareness: Participants developed a stronger understanding of scams, suspicious messages, privacy risks, secure passwords and two-factor authentication, helping them navigate the online world more safely.

Greater digital agency and informed decision-making: Participants demonstrated increased awareness of privacy, online information and AI-enabled tools, supporting more informed and intentional use of technology.

Healthier digital habits and wellbeing: Participants became more conscious of screen use, notifications and the impact of digital routines on attention, productivity and wellbeing.

What do participants say about the programme?

“The programme is making a meaningful contribution to digital inclusion across Birmingham. Participants have demonstrated greater digital confidence and independence, stronger awareness of scams and privacy risks, and more informed and controlled use of digital technologies.” - Rickie Josen, Lead, Digital NNS.
“The Online Safety workshop at Barry Jackson Tower helped participants become more confident in recognising online risks and understanding how to protect themselves. The practical, accessible format encouraged people to ask questions, relate the guidance to their everyday experiences and use digital services with greater awareness and confidence.” Lily Hale, Project Coordinator, Digital NNS.
“These workshops provide accessible, practical support that helps residents build the confidence and skills needed to participate safely and independently in digital life. Their community-based approach makes an important contribution to reducing digital exclusion and improving access to essential digital services across Birmingham.” - Jenny Wallbank, Birmingham City Council.
“The Spam Awareness workshop at Acocks Green gave residents practical, easy-to-understand guidance on recognising scams and protecting themselves online. Participants became more confident in identifying suspicious messages and understanding the steps they could take to stay safer when using digital services.” - Faraza Anderson, Community Partnership Coordinator, Digital NNS.

Collaborations and acknowledgements

How to collaborate with us?

The programme is designed to work with organisations that already understand their communities. Partners help identify local needs and suitable audiences; the workshop programme provides flexible content, delivery pathways and practical learning activities.

Ways to work with us

Host a Digital Literacy or Digital Wellbeing workshop.
Co-design a workshop series around local priorities such as NHS access, online safety, digital banking, communication or digital wellbeing.
Deliver a structured learning pathway for a specific community or participant group.
Develop digital buddy schemes or drop-in support alongside existing community provision.
Collaborate on programme development, evaluation and evidence of community impact.

What partners provide

Insight into local community needs and priorities.
A suitable and accessible venue or online setting.
Support with participant recruitment and communications.
Wi-Fi and basic digital access, where available.
Feedback to help evaluate outcomes and improve future delivery.

What the programme provides

Workshop design, structure and learning activities.
Facilitation and delivery planning.
Content tailored to participants' needs and confidence levels.
Practical exercises and take-home resources.
An evaluation framework to measure confidence and capability gains.
Opportunities for longer-term collaboration and follow-on activity.

Who supports the digital inclusion and wellbeing hub?

University of Birmingham
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
University of Birmingham Public Engagement Fund – for the digital literacy workshops