Image source: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has set up a Digital Inclusion Network involving a wide range of public, private and community sector organisations.
Mayor Steve Rotheram said it is aimed at helping more people in the area get online for services such as accessing support from the public sector.
It has been created by a digital inclusion taskforce, made up of public, private and community sector organisations, and is convened and facilitated by the combined authority.
The new network’s core goals are: building a coordinated and connected digital inclusion ecosystem across the region; supporting organisations to deliver digital inclusion activities in a sustainable way; increasing awareness and understanding of the digital inclusion agenda; and helping influence system level change across the city region.
The combined authority has urged organisations to sign up, saying that membership involves supporting digital inclusion activities, sharing best practice, helping staff learn essential digital skills, helping other to get online, and donating any retired kit when appropriate.
Digital world
Rotheram commented: “The last few years have accelerated the move towards a more digital world and proved how important connectivity and technology will be in all of our lives.
“However, there are still too many people who are digitally excluded for a variety of reasons – and struggle to navigate through the digital world.
“But it’s no good building the fastest network in the country if our residents aren’t able to take advantage. Through programmes like our Digital Inclusion Network, and the millions of pounds we’re investing in infrastructure like LCR Connect, we’re creating what I hope will be a better connected future that everyone in our region can benefit from.”
LCR Connect is a 212km full fibre, gigabit capable network for the city-region, run by a joint venture 50% owned by the combined authority.
