TBBT is Connecting with Confidence in Get Online Week

NewsPartnerships

16 Oct

* 39% of TBBT’s members lack basic digital skills

* Almost a third of TBBT members only have a mobile phone to get online

* 67% of TBBT’s members are unaware of social tariffs

* Many are missing benefits, unable to shop around and struggling with social isolation

* Connecting with Confidence is a new partnership combining kit, connectivity and confidence in a bespoke project to effect grassroots change

Digital exclusion is severely limiting The Bread and Butter Thing members’ use of the internet. Many can’t access the help and support they need - from changing energy providers to claiming benefits, finding a job or accessing education options. Connecting with Confidence unites TBBT with Lloyds Bank and We Are Digital in a new partnership that sets out to get people in low-income communities online and digitally active.

Over 6000 people took part in TBBT’s latest member survey with results showing that

· almost a third can only get online using their mobile phone

· 39% lack key digital skills

· 16% have little or no access to the internet at home.

Meanwhile, 67% are unaware that social tariffs are available to people receiving benefits.

Mark Game, CEO TBBT said: “These results show the high levels of digital exclusion affecting our members with resultant impacts on their financial and wider lives. Digital exclusion means increased poverty premiums, social isolation and reduced opportunities from job prospects to education. It also impacts interactions with health providers, their children’s school and cuts people off from friends and family.

“Whilst we are working with brilliant partners Lloyds Bank and We Are Digital to change this, more needs to be done across the industry to ensure that our members and our wider communities are empowered and enabled to get online.”

TBBT developed a partnership to work in its hubs offering face-to-face, tailored support and training for members. Working with Lloyds Bank, digital inclusion specialists We Are Digital ran sessions which married three vital elements – kit, connectivity and confidence.

Mark Game continued: “By working with our communities, TBBT has a perspective and ability to deliver projects that tackle some of the big issues that our members face. These issues are complex – meshing financial, social and cultural challenges – so solutions need to be thoughtful, rounded and multilayered. This role as the catalyst – like the yeast in the baking of bread – puts TBBT in a unique position to create meaningful and lasting change which can truly improve lives.”

According to figures from Policy in Practice, £19 billion of support goes unclaimed every year from Universal Credit to social tariffs.

Jonathan Prew, Managing Director, We Are Digital said: “I believe passionately in helping people live their lives more confidently. Giving access to digital technology opens up a range of additional support that people previously haven't been able to access. It could be something as simple as understanding your financial position online and how you can secure additional support.

“I don’t think the impact of the training we deliver can just be counted in terms of the number of people that we support. The multiplier effect is significant. Every parent that comes through this program, that leaves with more confidence around technology, will impact their own children. The change We Are Digital and Lloyds Bank are making by working together with TBBT was a testament to everyone’s hard work and desire to come together to make a difference.”

More on TBBT’s Connecting with Confidence project: