NHS ICBs across Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (DLN) are highlighting the work taking place to tackle digital exclusion during Digital Poverty Awareness Week, from 7 to 13 September 2026.
Digital exclusion can make it more difficult for people to access online health information and services. Barriers can include the cost of devices and data, poor connectivity, language needs, accessibility requirements, or a lack of digital skills and confidence.
As health and care services increasingly offer digital options, organisations across DLN are working with councils, libraries, voluntary organisations and community groups to ensure more people can benefit.
Derby and Derbyshire: Community Support in Action
Across Derby and Derbyshire, a joined-up approach across health, social care and the wider community and voluntary sector has seen hundreds of people supported.
Rural Action Derbyshire, as well as The Bureau have been instrumental in helping communities to improve their digital skills and confidence using small grants to provide support across a range of issues, such as applying for jobs and banking online, as well as finding and using health services and the NHS App.
Lincolnshire: Reducing the Digital Divide
In Lincolnshire, the Health and Care Digital Inclusion Strategy was developed with system wide partners and people with lived experience. It aims to reduce the digital divide by helping everyone access and confidently use digital health and care services.
Supporting projects have provided one-to-one guidance, workshops, translation support and community drop-in sessions, particularly for older people, migrant communities and residents living in areas of greater deprivation.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire: Helping People get Online
In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, work is guided by the Digital Inclusion Delivery Framework, which brings partner organisations together to address digital exclusion across the area.
Digital Inclusion Coordinators work directly with individuals and community groups, while Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire Libraries provide access to free Wi-Fi and digital support. Digital support hubs are also held in GP practices to help people build their confidence and access online healthcare services.
Continuing to close the digital gap
Andrew Fearn, Director of Digital Transformation for the DLN cluster said: “Digital services can make it quicker and easier for people to access information and manage their health, but we know that not everyone has the same access, skills or confidence.
“There is some excellent work taking place across Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to provide practical, community-based support.
“As a DLN cluster, we will continue working hard with our partners and communities to close the digital gap, share learning and ensure health and care services are accessible and inclusive. People who cannot or do not wish to use digital services should also continue to receive the support they need through other routes.”