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Network meeting 21 May 2026

ByCoordinator CDP
Photo of a dog laying on the grass with a big smile and tongue sticking out. Text reads: thank you and we see the CDP logo.

Thank you to those who attended the Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership network meeting.

It was lovely to see everyone—thank you very much for your time.

Chair, Will Plant, Senior Programme Manager, Digital Inclusion at Connecting Cambridgeshire introduced the speakers:

Christopher Waters – Clay Farm Centre Manager at Cambridge City Council 

Sophie Skrimshire – National Management Trainee at Connecting Cambridgeshire (co-host)

Karen Cann – Communications and Development Worker at Support Cambridgeshire (co-host)

Sophie and Karen read notes from:

Panna Chowdhury, Equality Service Advisor at Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum  

Elizabeth Brunton, Digital and Transformation Manager at CANTAB PCN 

and Will welcomed attendees:

Costanza Drago – Communications Officer at Support Cambridgeshire

Vaccas Nawaz – Lead Vocational Curriculum Manager at Cambridgeshire Skills

Ana Silva – Library Development Officer, Cambridgeshire Libraries

Denise Coates – Tech4Inclusion Manager at Sustainable Tech 4 Good

Steph Burton – Community Engagement and Project Leader at Raspberry Pi

Tina Oliver Jordan – Volunteering Coordinator at Care Network Cambridgeshire

Dr Manlin Li – Post Doctoral Research Fellow of Digital Innovation and Smart Places at ARU

Julie Amps – Community Connector Huntingdonshire at Cambridgeshire County Council

Hannah Green – Regional Contracts and Performance Manager at P3 Charity

Angie Ridley – Head of Patient and Public Involvement at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Trustee at Support Cambridgeshire

Vicki Rees – Administrator/Digital Inclusion Support Worker at Steel Bones UK

Kathryn Muir – Digital and Community Engagement Coordinator at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) / How Are You Cambridge

Hayley Neal – CEO at Cambridgeshire ACRE

Meeting Notes

Digital Switchover Update – Will Plant at Connecting Cambridgeshire

Will shared a brief overview of the digital switchover, where traditional copper landlines are being replaced with digital (VoIP) services. This transition has been happening gradually, with a final deadline of 31 January 2027 set by Openreach.

Key points:

  • The change affects anyone using a landline, including those with telecare systems or devices reliant on the phone network.
  • It is being managed directly between customers and their communication providers, who are responsible for ensuring safe transitions.
  • Major providers have committed to the PSTN Network Operators Charter, which includes:
    • Protecting vulnerable customers
    • Providing at least 12 months’ notice
    • Working with partners to identify and support those at risk

Reassurance and considerations:

  • Traditional landlines will not disappear entirely—voice-only packages will still be available (with limited exceptions such as Plusnet).
  • Telecare providers hold responsibility for ensuring safe migration for their users.
  • Concerns and confusion remain, particularly around misinformation and fears of being forced online.

Important risks:

  • Digital services depend on electricity—phones will not work during power cuts.
  • Backup solutions (e.g. battery units or mobile phones) are essential, particularly for vulnerable users.

Actions requested:

  • Partners are encouraged to help raise awareness of the switchover.
  • Support individuals (especially those digitally excluded) to contact providers early.
  • Use and share available resources, including FAQs, myth-busting guidance, and “what to ask” scripts

Please visit the website for more information: The Digital Switchover – Connecting Cambridgeshire

Digital Inclusion Insights – Panna Chowdhury, Equality Service Advisor at Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum (CECF)

Karen shared notes from from Panna Chowdhury.

Barriers identified:

  • Limited access to devices due to financial constraints
  • Difficulty completing complex online tasks, particularly on mobile phones
  • Lack of language proficiency and familiarity with UK systems
  • Low confidence among certain groups, especially older adults and newly arrived migrants

Common challenges faced by service users include:

  • Navigating essential systems such as Universal Credit, e-visas, and housing applications
  • Managing mobile phone contracts and switching providers
  • Using online banking and payment systems, often due to differences between UK systems and those in other countries
  • Fear of making mistakes, which can lead to reluctance in engaging with digital services

CECF staff emphasised that while overall digital literacy may be strong in some parts of the Black and Minority Ethnic community, there remains a significant and often overlooked group who experience exclusion. This is particularly evident among older individuals and more recent arrivals, who may not yet feel confident navigating digital systems or communicating in English. The combination of language barriers and unfamiliar processes can make even simple online tasks feel overwhelming.

An important insight is that access to a device does not equate to digital inclusion. Many service users have smartphones, but these are often insufficient for completing more complex processes, such as uploading documents or managing multiple-step applications. In addition, limited confidence and fear of making errors—particularly with financially or legally significant tasks—means that people may avoid engaging altogether without support.

Support provided by Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum :

  • Practical, hands-on digital skills support and guided walkthroughs
  • Signposting to relevant courses and learning opportunities
  • Ongoing in-person support to help build confidence and independence

Interestingly, digital tools can sometimes provide advantages. For example, online translation tools can make written digital communication more accessible than phone or in-person interactions. However, this benefit is balanced by the fact that individuals often require more support when they are forced to communicate verbally, such as contacting banks or service providers directly.

Requests for further support:

  • Targeted training on online banking, payments, and digital safety
  • Guidance on avoiding scams and building trust in digital systems
  • Support identifying reliable, low-cost sources for devices

Offers of support were noted during the discussion, including connections with organisations such as Sustainable Tech for Good, who provide refurbished devices – and potential partnerships to expand training opportunities – such as Cambridge Online.

Digital Hubs Programme

An update was provided on the Digital Hub Grant Scheme by Sophie Skrimshire, National Management Trainee at Connecting Cambridgeshire:

  • Grants of up to £4,200 are available
  • Supports community organisations to provide local digital inclusion services
  • First round funded 32 hubs across 54+ locations

Second round now open:

  • Deadline: 5 June
  • Open to organisations with access to a public-facing venue
  • Flexible approach—hubs can support a wide range of groups (e.g. older people, refugees, low-income families)

Partners were encouraged to promote the opportunity widely.

Trumpington Pavilion Digital Hub – Christopher Waters, Clay Farm Centre Manager at Cambridge City Council 

  • A community venue equipped with devices including iPads, Chromebooks, a desktop PC, and recording equipment
  • Equipment is securely stored on-site and made available flexibly to different user groups
  • Early uses include coding clubs, youth engagement, and general digital access for community groups

The hub has been intentionally designed to complement the Pavilion’s role as a trusted, well-used community space. Rather than introducing a completely new service, the approach builds on existing relationships with groups already using the venue—such as food bank users, youth clubs, and older adults’ social groups. By embedding digital support into familiar activities and settings, the hub is helping to reduce barriers and make digital engagement feel more accessible and less intimidating.

An additional strength of the model is its adaptability and shared use of resources. For example, equipment is already being loaned to other community locations to support activities like a coding club, demonstrating how digital assets can benefit a wider network beyond a single site. There are also plans to introduce informal “digital corners” during existing sessions (such as community cafés), where individuals can access devices and receive light-touch support without needing to attend structured classes.

Future plans:

  • Establish a regular digital café/drop-in session supported by trained volunteers
  • Increase awareness and usage of equipment among existing groups
  • Encourage partnerships to deliver targeted digital inclusion activities

Key takeaway:

  • Success comes from flexibility, partnership working, and meeting people where they already are, rather than expecting them to seek out standalone digital services.

Cantab Primary Care Network Hub – Elizabeth Brunton, Digital and Transformation Manager at CANTAB PCN 

Sophie shared notes from Elizabeth Brunton.

This hub operates within GP practices, supporting patients to access digital health services and improve their wider digital confidence.

Focus areas:

  • NHS App and healthcare systems
  • Building confidence in using digital tools
  • Supporting broader life skills (e.g. online payments, avoiding scams)

Key insights:

  • Demand is consistently present, though attendance is typically low in volume but high in need
  • Sessions often require 30–60 minutes of one-to-one support, reflecting the complexity of individual needs
  • Many users have access to smartphones but lack the skills or confidence to use them effectively

A significant learning from this model is the importance of trusted environments and relationships. Patients are more likely to engage with digital support when it is offered within a setting they already feel comfortable in—such as their GP practice—and when introduced by familiar staff. This trust helps to reduce anxiety around technology, particularly for those who may feel overwhelmed or worried about making mistakes, especially in relation to sensitive areas like health or finances.

The hub has also highlighted how addressing a specific entry point—healthcare—can uncover wider digital exclusion issues. While many individuals initially attend to get help with tasks such as ordering prescriptions or accessing medical records, conversations often expand into other areas of daily life. This includes support with managing household bills, navigating online services, or understanding how to stay safe online. This reinforces the idea that digital exclusion is rarely isolated to one domain, but instead intersects with broader aspects of independence and wellbeing.

Challenges identified:

  • Difficulty reaching those most in need through digital communication channels
  • Older or digitally excluded individuals may be sceptical of text messages or links, particularly due to scam concerns
  • Limited awareness of available support services

As a result, the most effective engagement methods have been:

  • Face-to-face conversations
  • Direct referrals from trusted professionals
  • Promotion through physical spaces and community settings

Future plans:

  • Continue drop-in sessions within GP practices
  • Expand support through existing community events (e.g. carers’ groups, health sessions)
  • Maintain a flexible, responsive approach to evolving patient needs

Key takeaway:

  • Personalised, trust-based, and face-to-face support is essential in healthcare settings, where digital barriers can have significant impacts on access, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Partner Updates and Opportunities

  • Dr Manlin Li, Post Doctoral Research Fellow of Digital Innovation and Smart Places at ARU shared their research opportunity : A research project exploring how older people engage with digital services in urban environments, with a focus on collaboration between communities and local systems. Partners are invited to contribute insights or support community connections. Please contact Manlin if you can help: [email protected]
  • Hannah Green, Regional Contracts and Performance Manager at P3 Charity shared details of their new project. A 6-week digital inclusion programme for older adults, combining structured learning sessions with a tablet loan scheme. The project aims to build both confidence and practical skills, while also connecting participants to longer-term sources of support and affordable devices. Hannah shared her email in case anyone can support: [email protected]. Julie Amps kindly offered Hannah support from Cambridgeshire Acre, as she cover Huntingdon and has colleagues that cover East Cambs and Fenland. Denise from Sustainable Tech 4 Good also reached out to have a conversation.
  • Angie Ridley – Head of Patient and Public Involvement at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Trustee at Support Cambridgeshire, spoke a little about her role and experience, and is interested in working with partners to ensure digital health changes do not exclude vulnerable groups. Work is ongoing to better understand how digital transformation in healthcare—such as online records, appointment systems, and emerging technologies—can be implemented without excluding those with lower digital confidence or access. To chat with Angie: [email protected]

Additional resources highlighted in the chat:

Next Steps

  • Continue promoting awareness of the digital switchover
  • Share and support Digital Hub applications (deadline 5 June)
  • Strengthen partnerships to address identified needs
  • Explore opportunities for collaboration raised by attendees

Our next session will be an in-person network meeting to mark End Digital Poverty Day, planned for September. We will also be promoting out Cambs Digi Fest in the summer with two exciting workshops to attend!

Thank you again to everyone who attended — it was fantastic to see the networking aspect working so well, with connections being made both in the chat and during the session. We really appreciate all your support.

If you have ideas for the network, would like to speak at a future event, or have something you’d like to promote in between meetings, please feel free to get in touch with Karen at [email protected]

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