1.4 C
Cheshire
Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Over 600 Families to Receive Access to Free Internet Over the Next Twelve Months

The Foresight Foundation, an Oldham based not-for-profit social enterprise committed to eradicating the digital divide, has teamed up with The Good Things Foundation to provide free internet and data for over 600 disadvantaged families.

As part of the CommunityDATA (Digital Access To All) initiative, 50 families per month in Oldham will be identified by the local authority, school partners and community organisations to receive 20gb of free internet access and data. The aim is to help them access online resources, support the educational development of children and young people within their household, connect with loved ones, and pursue educational and employment opportunities.

“We are proud to officially roll out the partnership with The Good Things Foundation. Our missions and aims are aligned and we have a shared desire when it comes to our vision for digital access across the communities we work in and beyond” said the Directors of the Foresight Foundation in a joint statement.

“Our mission is to ensure that everyone has equal access to the digital world, regardless of their socio-economic status. We believe that access to the internet and digital skills is a basic right, essential to success in a the digitally advanced society we live in. We are committed to making digital poverty a thing of the past.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2019 around 1.5 million households in England do not have access to the internet a result of affordability levels, that is before the impact of the current cost of living crisis being faced nationally.

Additionally, a survey by Ofcom in 2021 found that 9% of children in the UK, aged 5-15, do not have access to a device for online learning at home, with the figure rising to 19% among children from households with an annual income of less than £10,000.

These statistics demonstrate the extent of digital poverty in England and highlight the need for action to ensure that everyone has access to the internet and the digital skills needed to participate fully in society.

The Foresight Foundation, the charitable arm of award-winning Foresight IT Services has been working tirelessly behind the scenes since its inception and is committed to ensuring all communities have equal opportunities to becoming digital leaders of tomorrow, today.

thumbnail hurst knoll

Founded by Craig Barrat, Ged Tod and Dale Harris, the Foundation recently met with MP and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner on a visit to one of their partner schools to discuss the impact of digital poverty across Greater Manchester. The partnership with TheGood Things Foundation is another step towards achieving its goal of engaging, educating and empowering the local community in relation to digital literacy.

For more information on The Foresight Foundation and its mission to eradicate the digital divide, follow us on social media @TheForesightFdn

spot_imgspot_img

Latest

Black Banx’s billion dollar growth: What’s next for 2025?

The fintech industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace,...

EW Awards launched to find Chester’s “brilliant young business brains”

Chester's "brilliant young business brains" will be honoured in...

Circus, carnival and world premiere bound for Northwich

Tap dancing taps, tea dancing cuppas and a colourful...

Celebrate what makes this county great on Cheshire Day

Cheshire Day, which takes place on March 30, is...
spot_imgspot_img

Newsletter

Don't miss

Man jailed for drugs supply offences in Crewe

A man who was found with cocaine and more...

Black Banx’s billion dollar growth: What’s next for 2025?

The fintech industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace,...

Celebrate what makes this county great on Cheshire Day

Cheshire Day, which takes place on March 30, is...

Circus, carnival and world premiere bound for Northwich

Tap dancing taps, tea dancing cuppas and a colourful...

More News

Cheshire firefighters to hold charity car washes

Fire stations across Cheshire are holding charity car washes over the next couple of months to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity. The Fire Fighters...

West Cheshire and Wirral charity recognised for supporting families of premature babies

A regional social care charity has been recognised for the support it offers to its employees if they, or their partner, gives birth prematurely. Autism...

Wallasey golf pro faces fear to raise cash for charity

A golf coach will face up to his fears of heights - by taking on the world’s fastest zip-fire. Lee Corcoran (pictured) will tackle the...