2025 Highlights
This year, organisations and individuals across Cambridgeshire came together to improve access, skills, confidence and affordability—supporting residents of all ages through practical help, creative pathways, and shared learning. Thank you to everyone who contributed time, ideas and energy.
A special thank you to our partner Connecting Cambridgeshire!
Policy, Strategy and Research
2025 began with the launch of the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February, followed by a call for evidence that closed in April. Connecting Cambridgeshire published its second delivery plan and outlined a four-year strategy for digital inclusion. Work also progressed on a refreshed Digital Directory and an interactive map to make local support easy to find. In addition, behavioural research commissioned with the University of Cambridge highlighted two priority segments—“Not for Me” and “Reliant on Others”—which will inform tailored engagement and support going forward.
Practical Access and Support
Cambridgeshire Libraries continued their brilliant work as Digital Inclusion Hubs, offering Digital Buddies and access to the National Databank. Over 6,500 SIM cards were distributed, and a device bank was launched with 50 Chromebooks. Libraries also brought immersive cultural experiences to local communities through VR tours in Fenland, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge and South Cambs. Sustainable Tech for Good made a huge impact too, distributing more than 1,400 devices locally and over 6,900 nationally, while saving thousands of kilograms of e-waste from landfill. Every device was securely wiped to government standards, and the organisation maintained its zero-landfill commitment through repair, reuse and parts recovery.
End Digital Poverty Day – Churchill College, 11 September
One of the year’s highlights was our in-person event at Churchill College, co-hosted with Connecting Cambridgeshire. The day brought together passionate voices and practical ideas over coffee and conversation. Speakers from DSIT shared sobering statistics: 1.6 million people in the UK remain largely offline, 3.8 million lack essential life skills, and 7.3 million lack the minimum digital skills needed for work. Digitally excluded people pay around 25% more for essentials and are five times more likely to be unemployed. Sustainable Tech for Good showcased its local impact, supporting 1,585 people with devices and saving over two tonnes of e-waste. James Lewis from Places for People highlighted that around 10,000 households in Cambridgeshire are digitally excluded, with 30% of affordable housing residents lacking broadband. Missed social tariffs can cost up to £1,000 a year, and some rural residents spend £30 a week on transport that could be avoided with online access. His message was clear: digital inclusion is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Roundtable discussions explored practical ways to strengthen digital inclusion, from building a living directory of local efforts to increasing volunteer capacity, developing intergenerational projects and forging business partnerships. Attendees agreed on the need for a person-centred approach, better promotion of services, and ongoing support as technology and individual needs evolve.
Cambs Digi Fest 2025 – Creative and Youth-Focused Webinars
Two standout webinars formed part of Cambs Digi Fest. “Culture Connects” explored how arts and culture can provide welcoming, low-pressure pathways into digital engagement. Speakers shared inspiring examples, from dance-for-wellbeing sessions using WhatsApp and Zoom to extended reality experiences celebrating Cambridge’s heritage. Creative activities were shown to boost confidence, belonging and social connection, often leading to further digital engagement.
The second webinar, “Digital Literacy for Youth,” focused on equipping young people with the skills and understanding to navigate the online world safely. NSPCC highlighted the importance of privacy, strong passwords and awareness of digital footprints, introducing tools like “Report Remove” to help under-18s take down shared images. Childnet shared resources for families and schools, including age-tailored packs and advice for Safer Internet Day 2026, while CPCA emphasised the role of digital youth work and the need to balance online opportunities with offline support.
December Network Meeting – Looking Ahead
Our final meeting of the year focused on the digital switchover campaign, led by Connecting Cambridgeshire. This initiative, funded by the Combined Authority and delivered through Cambridgeshire County Council, aims to ensure residents and businesses are prepared for the upcoming switchover. Awareness among residents remains low, so the campaign will continue throughout 2026 with targeted communications and workshops. Resources including FAQs, guidance and toolkits are available online.
Cambridge Online shared its expansion beyond Cambridge into Huntingdon, Peterborough and Fenland, now operating in over 20 venues with free drop-in sessions. A new CRM system enables personalised follow-up support, and a Train the Trainer programme has already equipped 25 community members to deliver local help. Sustainable Tech for Good reported supporting over 7,000 people and saving nearly 12 tonnes of e-waste since 2020, while Barclays outlined its work on fraud prevention and digital skills, reaching more than 2,000 people through 61 events this year.
What’s Next
As we move into 2026, the network’s focus includes continuing digital switchover outreach, growing the living directory and interactive map, expanding volunteer capacity and Train the Trainer programmes, and strengthening partnerships for device reuse. We will keep mixing creative pathways with trusted, in-person help—because confidence grows in welcoming, human spaces.
Thank you to our speakers, partners, volunteers and attendees. Your kindness, creativity and persistence are making Cambridgeshire more connected, confident and inclusive. Let’s keep going, together.
If you would like to join us in 2026 to help fix the digital divide, then why not pop along to our network meeting on Thursday 26 February – anyone is welcome that has an interest in digital inclusion!
Follow this link to book: Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership network meeting – Support Cambridgeshire
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