More help for residents to get online and go digital across Derbyshire

A £50,000 funding boost will help Derbyshire residents get online, stay connected and access vital services

Derbyshire County Council is strengthening its commitment to tackling digital exclusion by investing an extra £50,000 to help residents get online, build confidence and access essential health and support services.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “As more services become “digital by default” thousands of residents risk being left behind – particularly older people, those with disabilities, long-term health conditions or low incomes.

“Without the right digital skills or access, people can struggle to book GP appointments, order prescriptions, manage finances or access winter support such as energy advice and benefits.

“This extra funding will help more people get online than ever before.”

The funding will support Rural Action Derbyshire to expand digital inclusion work across the county as well as co-ordinate the Digital Support Derbyshire Network until March 2026.

The new investment will:
* Fund additional community-led digital inclusion projects through a small grants programme
* Improve access to digital health tools, including the NHS App
* Support online safety and scam awareness
* Build digital confidence among residents most at risk of exclusion
* Extend and strengthen the county-wide Digital Support Derbyshire Network

The Digital Support Derbyshire Network has already delivered strong results with more than 5,000 Derbyshire residents supported over the past year.

Previous funding has also helped to train 485 Digital Champions and enabled equipment such as PCs to be refurbished and distributed to those in need.

In addition digital help is now embedded in many food banks and affordable food projects across the county.

By empowering communities and voluntary organisations to deliver local, trusted support, the council aims to reduce health inequalities, tackle social isolation and help residents live healthier, more independent lives.