The difference a digital device can make

Annie Mannion | 16 Sep 2024

By guest blogger, Research and Evaluation Officer, Ell Martin

The right device and an internet connection are both essential to being digitally included.

That’s why, with funding from the Nominet Members' GiveHub, AbilityNet was able to gift 178 tablet devices to people who needed them.

This project was made possible by our partners; Nominet, the official manager of the .uk domain name, who supported us to manage and distribute the programme, and Amazon and Lenovo supplied the devices. 

Woman smiling using a tablet deviceWorking with community partners

The tablets were distributed through 27 of our local community partners across the UK, along with SIM cards so they could connect to the internet anywhere. 

“It's fantastic to have these devices. It's making technology open to people who would otherwise not be unable to afford a device.” - Swansea Council for Voluntary Services

However, a device is only helpful if you know how to use it. Therefore, those who received a tablet were supported to use them through one to one and group support sessions provided by staff and volunteers.   

“AbilityNet has been an excellent support to my clients. The 1:1 support has been so helpful particularly as assistance is provided in the comfort of their home. My clients feel this support has been life changing. They don't feel as socially isolated or alone. They are now able to connect and confidence has increase as learning new skills and keeping up with our moving society.” Nicola Lindsay, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - Community Access Worker

Feedback from both our partners, and people who have received a laptop (within this project we call them ‘learners') has demonstrated the wide-reaching impact a tablet can have.

This includes improving health and wellbeing, using tech to support impairments, connecting with friends and family, accessing key services, looking for work and finding employment, gaining skills, and pursuing hobbies. 

“This is life changing to me, people don't understand how having something so simple can make such a big difference.” - learner  

The need for a device 

Learners had a huge array of reasons for wishing to use a tablet, from needing a device to apply for jobs, to wanting to explore hobbies. The most common underlying reason was that they didn’t currently have the right device that suited them. 

For example, one learner with rheumatoid arthritis had a smartphone but couldn’t use its full functionality. A tablet with a bigger screen enabled her to tap on the right area, and therefore use it a lot faster than her phone. Not only this, but they were sharing an old laptop with their children, so a tablet enabled all the family to use digital devices when they needed. 

A tablet having a bigger screen than a smartphone was beneficial for multiple reasons: another learner was completing some online courses, which were difficult to complete through his phone, but much easier on a tablet. A third learner, who has glaucoma, mentioned that their phone was too small for them to see and use it properly.

"With my physical disabilities I find it difficult to hold items which are large and heavy.  The tablet I have received is the right size and weight to allow me to start experimenting with the internet and to let me start to talk and see members of my family that live away from the area I live in.” – learner 

Woman on sofa smiling using a laptopCost as a barrier

Another key barrier to many people accessing devices is cost. This includes both the device and connectivity.

Research from April 2024 highlighted that close to one in 10 households were struggling to afford their mobile or broadband service (Ofcom, Communications Affordability Tracker, 2024).

Rochdale Borough Council told us:
“I am so thrilled to receive the tablets to gift to residents who are totally digitally excluded and would hugely benefit from a device of their own. I am happy that the tablets come with free data. It removes the barrier of no connectivity.”

Using the tablets to manage health online 

Those who are now using the tablets have told us that online is “a global library and instant access to information and knowledge I wouldn’t have had access to” and their tablet has “opened a whole new world”. Overwhelmingly, learners reported that their wellbeing improved since having the tablet.

One key reason learners’ wellbeing improved was that the device enabled them to manage and support their health conditions and disabilities, as highlighted by the examples above.

Improving wellbeing and mental health was highlighted by half of the partner organisations we worked with and those who received tablets. One person said being able to listen to music on the tablet improved mental health. Another learner said receiving the tablet after their mental health was very low “has given me the boost I needed to make the change”.

“Receiving the devices really supports the beneficiaries we work with, a lot of the citizens we support have multiple challenges, including chronic health, mental health, substance abuse, domestic abuse, poverty and homelessness. Seeing the appreciation and how supporting them with not only devices but also skills can improve their wellbeing and life as a whole is so impactful and rewarding. Through supplying devices and connection it enables the beneficiaries to attend some of our online training and digital fun sessions to improve digital skills and inclusion.” - Digital Durham

One factor that consequently improved wellbeing was being able to contact family and friends through messaging apps and video calls, reducing loneliness.

Another was adjusting accessibility settings. One learner told us the autocorrect text and increased font size helped their dyslexia, in turn enabling them to stay connected with people. 

Spotlight on community

One of our partners gifted a laptop to an allotment group so they could become more confident online, and promote their shop. One of the group said:

“Thank you for allowing me to have a Chromebook. I am retired and use my spare time to volunteer at my local allotments. We are expanding our garden shop and I want to get online to create articles. My skills online are rusty to say the least. I would like help to get online. The committee will also use the device to do minutes for meetings and order new stock. We will ALL benefit in some way. This device will help me to communicate with more people. Thank you so much.” 

Contact AbilityNet if you are disabled or a senior citizen and need support with your digital devices - call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or request help from an AbilityNet volunteer.

Newfound confidence and skills

Feedback from the project supported by Nominet also highlighted that many learners had improved both their digital skills and confidence since receiving a device.

Prior to being gifted a tablet, one learner could only text on a basic mobile and use a remote control for a TV, but after having support, we were told of the learner’s newly acquired confidence:

“There has been a marked change. He now knows how to switch on a device and use it without fear of breaking it. He has an email address and has started to send messages to his friends. He has also used WhatsApp to make some video calls and used it to message people. He is also progressing in how to access the internet, and search for things.” - Morley Digital

Since using the tablets, learners have been able to communicate with friends and family, access essential services, apply for and search for jobs, operate  a tablet for the first time, use accessibility settings, shop online and navigate documents. One learner has been offered a job and will use their tablet to check shifts and complete the online paperwork needed. 

Looking forward, learners want to continue to grow their confidence, enrol on online courses, share their skills with others, shop online, pay bills online, and look for jobs!

A huge thank you to Nominet Members' GiveHub, Amazon and Lenovo for their support to enable these learners to have their worlds opened and wellbeing improved. 

AbilityNet and BT Group logoOlder woman with grey hair and bald man sitting at computer chattingFree webinar: Empowering Seniors: 5 Essential Tips for Online Safety and Support
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