Bridging the Digital Divide: KeyRing's Journey with BT and AbilityNet
Annie Mannion | 24 Nov 2025KeyRing is a charity that provides social care support in England. Learn more about how AbilityNet and BT Group's partnership has been helping people who are supported by Keyring to access and use digital devices.
By Michelle Lloyd, Practice Development Lead at KeyRing
I have always been really interested in technology. I love being able to access information and services whatever the time of day, be it checking my bank account before ordering far too much stuff I don’t need off Amazon, researching holidays, or streaming my favourite shows whilst lying on the sofa with a glass of wine (I make no apologies for this).
I have never taken a formal course in using a computer and have never been interested in doing so. I have, though, always appreciated the opportunities that being connected has brought me, and saw the potential of using technology to make my life easier and far more fun.
Tech for connecting with friends and relatives
When my friend moved to Australia, Facebook was the way we kept in touch, sharing photos and stories of our children growing up. Video calling made it possible for us to still feel connected and my children able to see parts of the world that they only dreamed of.
My sister's wedding 10 years ago brought much joy (and stress) and being part of a WhatsApp group for the hen party planning, and joining in conversations with friends far and wide, meant we were all part of the experience and could share the planning load (and fun, of course!).
WhatsApp groups are a staple part of my life now with the names of the various groups bringing hilarity and sometimes awkwardness when the message goes to the wrong group (we have all been there, haven’t we?).
Imagine a life without tech
I can't imagine a time when these interactions with technology would not be available to me. I can’t imagine not comparing prices whilst looking for the best deals, not researching locations for the best spots when booking a holiday or using google maps to show me how to get from A to B both at work and at home.
I certainly can't imagine my life without technology, can you?
Free webinar: How to stay safer onlineAddressing isolation with tech
Sadly, this is not the experience of the people we support at KeyRing, in the main. Covid brought isolation and loneliness to those we supported, who were already struggling to make and maintain connections with friends and family.
Routines were disrupted after places they regularly went to for these connections closed down and all support in person was stopped. Those with health conditions were forced to isolate themselves for months on end with no clear end in sight. People's mental health and wellbeing suffered, and as an organisation we had to look at how we continued to offer support when we could no longer go into KeyRing Members' properties.
Before Covid we had no real clear picture of the digital needs and abilities of Members around the country. We had no clear picture of who was accessing technology and using it in their daily lives.
An opportunity arose in the summer of 2020 through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, to work alongside like-minded organisations who were also struggling with the question of how they continued to offer support during lockdown to those most in need of that connection. The fund aimed to reduce isolation and loneliness and was funded initially for 6 months. This really kickstarted our digital journey.
Alexa and more helps KeyRing clients
AbilityNet and BT Group accelerated our journey to develop the digital skills of older and disabled people across the UK, as more than 350 of KeyRing's Members benefited from receiving gifted with digital devices, which they were then supported to learn how to use via digital skills workshops.
This video shows how some of KeyRing's clients have been supported with their digital needs via the AbilityNet and BT Group partnership:
Learn more about AbilityNet's activities to boost digital confidence of KeyRing's clients.
Highlighting accessibility settings
KeyRing Members really appreciated having an AbilityNet trainer there who could answer their individual questions and queries.
Staying safer online sessions were also really well received, alongside training on the basics of how to use the devices. Due to Members' cognitive, physical and sensory difficulties, discussing accessibility settings and adjustments on their devices was also an important part of the sessions.
- "I use my Echo Show to remind me to order and take my medication. I am also learning new things - I can check the weather so I can wear appropriate clothing and know whether to wear my coat." - SJ, who received an Echo Show
- "I have just moved into supported living. Due to my learning disability I find it hard to remember things. Paying bills and managing appointments is all very new and quite scary so makes me feel anxious. This helps as I can set reminders to tell me when my bills are going out, keep a check of my bank balance, going to the doctors etc." - KW, who received an Echo Show
- "It helps with the anxiety, coping with low mood, distraction when needed. It allows me to use necessary apps easier with my movement disorder." - EP, who received a tablet
- "The sessions have been good for bringing people together. It's been so productive, we have a 90-year-old person in this class. It’s made my day that a 90-year-old has been able to sit down and try and use a tablet because of this class - I’m inspired by that." - PJ, who received a tablet and attended Digital Sessions
Support is still needed
The AbilityNet and BT Group partnership project has really enabled us to scale up our digital programme and ensure that Members are supported to use their devices. Training and support is vital to ensure that Members use their devices to support their independence.
Being able to call upon AbilityNet volunteers to go into Members' homes, come to hubs and create video content, has enabled us to gather those success stories and highlight the difference our digital inclusion programme is making to people's lives.
We are a national organisation but are under resourced and under funded, so having help and support from the AbilityNet and BT Group Partnership has been a lifeline for us. I know the difference that the programme makes to KeyRing Members - the stories I hear from around the country inspire and motivate me.
How can I get digital skills help?
Build your skills at free digital skills sessions for older people and disabled people across specific UK regions.
Trainers can build something bespoke for your group or for an individual and run sessions including:
- Getting to know your Smartphone or Tablet
- Staying Safer Online
- Getting started with Email
- Using Social Media, e.g. Facebook
- Online entertainment, e.g. watching TV online
Even if your website is accessible there are millions of people that don't have the skills to use it.Partner with us
How AbilityNet can help
- Call AbilityNet's helpline on 0300 180 0028*
- Request help from an AbilityNet volunteer
- See our database of FREE factsheets
- Access FREE webinars about technology and disability
*Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls
