Whether you are a member of our Digital Communities Partnership (DCP) or simply looking to strengthen your own digital inclusion offer, this page is here to support you every step of the way. It acts as your go‑to resource hub - a friendly, practical page packed with tools, ideas, and inspiration to help you build or enhance the digital support you provide in your community.
If you need further support, feel free to get in touch by completing our Digital Wigan contact form.
Digital Wigan favourites
Digital Wigan webpage - your one‑stop home for everything digital inclusion happening across the borough. Here you will find up‑to‑date information on all our programmes, including Access for All (our device gifting scheme), TechMates digital support, and our community events such as TechTime, Digi‑Dens, Digi‑Fest, Digitober, and more.
Digital Champion Training (DCP Exclusive) - free, friendly training for staff and volunteers that builds confidence, skills, and consistency in how digital support is delivered. Designed exclusively for DCP partners, it helps create a shared understanding of what good digital inclusion looks like across our borough.
Good Things Foundation (external link) - the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, providing free data, devices, and essential digital skills through its nationwide network so everyone can confidently participate in modern life. Their website is full of useful resources and information.
National Databank (external link) - a nationwide programme offering free mobile data to people who can’t afford it. By joining the Databank, your organisation can support residents facing data poverty and help them stay connected to essential services, family, and online opportunities.
National Device Bank (external link) - a nationwide programme offering free, refurbished smartphones, laptops and other devices to people who need them most. Perfect for organisations looking to expand their offer without the cost of sourcing their own equipment.
National Digital Inclusion Network (external link) - a nationwide community of organisations working to improve digital skills and access. Joining the network gives you access to shared resources, support, funding opportunities, and national learning to strengthen your local digital inclusion work.
Guides and practical toolkits
Digital Inclusion Toolkit (external link) - a comprehensive, step‑by‑step resource designed to help organisations build, improve, or scale their digital inclusion offer. Packed with real‑world examples, templates, and guidance, it is perfect for teams looking for a practical starting point or wanting to refine what they already do.
Four essential steps for delivering digital inclusion (external link) - a simple, accessible framework that breaks digital inclusion down into four clear stages. This guide helps organisations understand where they are now, what they might be missing, and how to grow their offer in a structured, sustainable way.
Digital Inclusion Evaluation Toolkit (external link) - a helpful resource that supports you to measure the impact of your digital inclusion work. It provides tools, questionnaires, and methods to track progress, understand what is working, and demonstrate value to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Digital Learning Hub - our own online hub of resources designed to help people build confidence and expand their digital skills, featuring easy‑to‑use learning platforms like iDEA and Learn My Way to support learners of all ages and abilities.
Research and best practice
Digitally Kind – Carnegie UK Trust (external link) - a thoughtful set of principles that encourages organisations to take a compassionate and inclusive approach to online engagement. This guide helps you create digital support that feels safe, kind, and accessible for everyone you work with.
Doing digital in later life (external link) - a research‑led resource focusing on how to support older adults with digital skills. It offers insights, recommendations, and real‑world learning to help you shape services that are supportive, empowering, and tailored to later‑life learners.
Greater Manchester Blueprint (external link) - a strategic roadmap outlining Greater Manchester’s priorities for digital inclusion, skills, and connectivity. It highlights the region’s ambitions, best practice approaches, and shared commitments, helping organisations align their work with wider GM goals.
Health, wellbeing and accessibility tools
Self‑care - a helpful hub containing health and wellbeing information, advice, and signposting to local services available to Wigan borough residents. A great place to direct people who may need wider support alongside digital help.
Accessibility tools - a collection of tools and built‑in features that help residents access council services more easily, including text‑to‑speech, contrast settings, translation options, and other adjustments designed to improve accessibility online.
Henshaw's Knowledge Village (external link) - a practical library of videos and guides offering resources and advice on technology, accessible apps, eye conditions, independence, benefits, and everyday life hacks for people with sight loss.
RNIB Reading Services Online Library (external link) - a nationwide accessible reading library, offering books in a wide variety of different formats ideal for book lovers with visual impairments.
Communication tools and advice for stroke survivors (external link) - guidance, tools, tips, and communication techniques to support people living with communication difficulties after a stroke.
How to make your communications age‑positive (external link) - a resource offering advice on writing and designing communications that are inclusive, age‑positive, and engaging for older residents.
Synapptic (external link) - easy‑to‑use software designed specifically for people with sight loss, offering simplified menus, large print, voice control, and accessible features that make devices easier to use.
Topp Language Solutions (external link) - a specialist service offering high‑quality British Sign Language support and interpreting, helping organisations communicate clearly and accessibly with deaf residents across the borough.