Digital Share: Digital Inclusion Project

Project Duration: 2021–2026

 

 

 

 

WECAN’s digital inclusion project, Digital Share, was launched in June 2021 and was active for more than four years. The aim of Digital Share was to help people across West Essex to be better connected using digital technology. When the project launched twenty-two percent of the UK population did not have the necessary skills to use technology for everyday life. Our mission was to bridge that gap, to help support some of those people who were digitally excluded to be better connected, particularly those within our Health Inequalities cohort living with mental health issues or from a minority group.

We achieved this by providing the equipment and skills necessary to access the online world with confidence. People using the service were given donated and refurbished digital devices and data donated by major telecoms companies which enabled them to get online. The kit was complemented by skills-based sessions delivered by volunteer Digital Buddies recruited to develop confidence in using digital devices and technical advice, plus knowledge on specific devices that residents already owned but were not be able to fully use.

Donations of equipment and requests for equipment, data, and skills development were processed through our bespoke Digital Share platform, which provided a single point of access for professionals and service users to manage requests for support.

Over the course of the four years that the project was active:

• 1840 digital skills sessions were delivered
• 100 Digital Buddies were recruited and trained to deliver technical support
• 280 devices were donated
• 127,000 Gb of data was made available
• A Mental Health Support Worker was recruited and deployed into the community for two years
• Referral pathways were created within Primary Care Networks
• A new step-by-step guide on how to use NHS Support Apps and Databank crib sheets was created which was particularly important for those waiting to access NHS mental health services.

Digital Share addressed different challenges shaped by demographics. In urban Harlow, for instance, digital exclusion often hindered job access, with unemployment and online barriers creating significant struggles. In rural Uttlesford, some older residents face isolation and difficulty navigating digital services, impacting their connectivity and independence. Digital exclusion limits access to essential services and social engagement. Our efforts highlighted the critical role of digital inclusion in reducing social disadvantage and fostering community well-being, especially for those most affected by isolation and economic challenges.

These are two examples of how the project made a direct positive impact on people in our community.

Case study 1

RW spent his whole working life in the building trade. After a back injury left him unable to continue manual work, he had to claim Universal Credit for the first time. The Jobcentre referred him to our Digital Inclusion project when he struggled with the online journal. RW had never used a computer, did not have a CV, and found the digital requirements overwhelming. He said he felt highly stressed and anxious about money, adding that he “hates claiming benefits” and wanted to return to work.

We offered one-to-one support using a calm, step-by-step approach. We introduced RW to basic computer and smartphone skills, helped him create his first CV, and showed him how to upload it to job sites and register with recruitment agencies. We also explored transferable skills and alternative roles suited to his health.

This personalised support has enabled RW to manage his journal independently and apply for jobs online with confidence.

Case study 2

WECAN’s Digital Inclusion Project received a referral from a Social Prescriber in Uttlesford concerning DN, a 90-year-old lady. DN has a diagnosis of dementia and is classed as a vulnerable adult, requiring daily monitoring to ensure her wellbeing and safety. Although the initial referral was made in relation to DN, it soon became apparent that her son, RN, aged 57, was the individual who most required support. 

RN is the main carer for his mother and is deeply committed to helping her remain safe and independent at home. However, like many informal carers, he faced challenges due to being digitally excluded. RN had purchased a set of home cameras online in the hope of monitoring his mother remotely, especially after several incidents where she had fallen or wandered out of the property. Unfortunately, he had bought devices that were unsuitable for his needs and had no understanding of how to install or connect them to his smartphone. This situation was causing him significant stress and anxiety, as he was unable to check on his mother when away from the home and felt he was “failing her” in keeping her safe. 

We visited RN and DN at their home and assessed their digital needs. It became clear that with the right equipment and guidance, technology could provide a simple and effective solution to support both DN’s safety and RN’s peace of mind. We advised RN on the most appropriate devices for his situation, including Ring doorbells and smart home cameras, which would allow him to monitor the entrances and main living areas of his mother’s home in real time. 

This practical support had a significant impact. RN reported feeling a huge sense of relief knowing he could monitor his mother safely, even when he was not physically present. His anxiety levels reduced, and he felt empowered to manage his caring role more effectively. DN also benefited indirectly, as she could continue living at home with greater safety and reassurance that her son could check on her quickly in an emergency. 

Beyond the digital setup, our team also provided RN with information about local support networks and carer services available in Hatfield Heath, which he had previously been unaware of. We signposted him to groups offering respite support and social activities for both carers and people living with dementia. This connection to community resources helped reduce isolation and provided RN with a broader network of support. 

This case highlights how digital exclusion can extend beyond individuals to impact families and carers, particularly those living in rural areas where support services are more limited. It also demonstrates how WECAN’s person-centred digital inclusion work can make a tangible difference by providing practical solutions that enhance safety, wellbeing, and independence. 

Through this intervention, both DN and RN experienced improved quality of life and reduced  

This case study illustrates the importance of referral partnerships between social prescribing teams, local support services and community-based digital inclusion services, ensuring that technology can be used as a positive tool for care, reassurance, and connection. 

United in Kind (formerly WECARE)

Project Duration: 2019–2021 – Funded by: Essex County Council

United in Kind was a two-year community initiative aimed at tackling social isolation and loneliness across West Essex. Funded by Essex County Council, the programme supported individuals at risk of loneliness through both group and one-to-one interventions. Activities ranged from digital confidence sessions to social walking groups and exercise, all designed to build community connections and resilience.

Key goals included:

• Raising awareness of loneliness and how communities can help;
• Identifying and supporting people at risk;
• Building community-led networks and sustainable support systems;
• Providing targeted help for individuals with complex needs.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, United in Kind Coaches played a central role in local Community Hubs—offering emotional support, collecting prescriptions, and shopping for vulnerable residents. Notably, the team launched United in Kind Radio, an online station broadcasting messages of kindness and connecting isolated residents.

Project Highlights (2020–21):

• 203 volunteers engaged
• 126 individuals completed awareness training
• 1,641 individuals and 212 groups supported
• 84 new community groups established

A partnership with RCCE and Provide also led to the creation of a new accredited Asset Based Community Building workshop, hosted by ACL, enabling residents to learn how to create sustainable local initiatives.

Case Study:
One resident, grieving and shielding during the pandemic, was referred for support. A United in Kind Coach provided immediate aid and ongoing emotional support, helping to transform the client’s quality of life over 12 months.

Mental Health Discharge Service (MHDS)

Led by Voluntary Action Epping Forest on behalf of WECAN
Service Ended: June 2024

The Mental Health Discharge Service supported individuals in West Essex at critical points of transition—either being discharged from inpatient mental health care or stepping down from primary or secondary care. Over its three-and-a-half years of operation, the service provided one-to-one practical and emotional wellbeing support to over 360 people and carried out nearly 3,000 interventions.

A key aim was to enable safer, swifter discharges and reduce time spent in acute care. The service also piloted a signposting initiative in partnership with EPUT to help ensure that people returning home had the right support in place to prevent relapse or readmission.

An NHS Discharge Coordinator noted:
“With your timely intervention, we were able to safely discharge the client and reduce her stay by 35 days.”

Bereavement Support in the Community

Led by Voluntary Action Epping Forest on behalf of WECAN
Service Ended: June 2024 – Funded by: Assura

This person-centred bereavement support service offered one-to-one emotional support for individuals registered with GP practices in Harlow, Epping, Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, and Chigwell. Clients were supported through up to six tailored sessions, using coaching techniques, grief workbooks, and self-reflection tools to help them better understand and manage their grief.

Between June 2023 and June 2024, the service supported 133 individuals with the help of 20 trained volunteers. Progress was tracked using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), with many clients reporting significant emotional improvement.

One client shared:
“After being stuck in dysfunction for five years following my mum’s sudden death… my support worker has worked miracles with me.”

GPs and patients alike valued the accessible, co-produced approach of the service, which offered practical and emotional tools to promote long-term wellbeing.

To discuss commissioning opportunities or proposals please email admin@westessexcan.org and one of our directors will call you to explore the potential or a collaboration/partnership.