News
28th November 2024
On 25th November 2024, Sunderland City Council hosted a celebratory event at City Hall, to recognise the incredible achievements of Sunderland’s Digital Health Hubs. The Hubs have been instrumental in bringing the opportunity to go online into the heart of local communities. This event was a chance to reflect on the success of the programme, share inspiring stories, and honour the contributions of the many individuals and organisations involved.
The event began with a welcome address from Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Allison Chisnall, who underscored the urgency of addressing digital exclusion, reminding attendees that “1 in 3 people in the city are at risk or are experiencing some form of digital exclusion.” The Mayor went on to reflect on the journey of the Digital Health Hubs, which were established thanks to over £580,000 in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme includes 22 Digital Health Hubs and six pioneering eSports Hubs, believed to be the first of their kind in the UK. The Mayor commended the collaboration between “the private, public and voluntary sectors” in “engaging residents in the digital world.”
Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services and Equalities, Councillor Alison Smith, emphasised that Tech Mates have found new ways to support our most vulnerable residents to go online: whether that’s been using a mouse and keyboard for the first time, or guiding residents on how to safely navigate the internet.
Cllr Smith shared some of the programme’s key achievements. Collectively, we have:
Each participating organisation was spotlighted, with representatives receiving Certificates of Achievement from the Mayor and Cllr Smith to celebrate their contribution to Sunderland’s smart future. Throughout the event, inspiring stories from different partners highlighted the impact that the Digital Health Hubs have had on individuals and communities.
Stories to Celebrate
At the event, we heard about the breadth of different residents supported by Digital Health Hubs: from children at CHANCE, who developed literacy and language skills using digital tools, to a 92-year-old supported by the Downhill Centre to use his laptop safely, helping to alleviate his isolation and restore his confidence.
Several Hubs supported residents to complete job searches, create or update CVs, and set up email addresses. For example, ShARP helped a resident secure employment through digital upskilling, a change the resident described as having “changed her life forever.”
Collaboration has been a hallmark of the programme, with different Hubs supporting one another at each turn. Born Good supplied refurbished devices to multiple Hubs, while ELCAP acted as a mentor hub, sharing its digital expertise with others in the Coalfields. Plus, the ICT Customer Support Team from Sunderland City Council provided hands-on support to set up community digital spaces.
The event also celebrated the Hubs’ individual achievements; Building Blocks Day Centre shared that the organisation was recognised by the Good Things Foundation as the UK’s best-performing databank.
Sunderland’s Digital Health Hubs have become spaces for innovation and engagement. From Roker Life’s Tech Tea Party to The Box Youth and Community’s eSafety sessions, the Hubs are using events to foster a culture of digital curiosity and learning. Young people at Farringdon Youth and Community Project and Youth Almighty were so inspired by their Hub that they have been attending events at British eSports in Sunniside to learn more about educational and employment pathways in gaming and technology.
Looking Ahead
Since June 2023, we and our partners in different communities across Sunderland have been working to address the challenges faced by residents in accessing the digital world: from bridging the connectivity gap, to providing essential digital skills training.
The success of the Digital Health Hubs is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Sunderland City Council, Boldyn Networks, and a range of community organisations. At the outset, Boldyn conducted audits to ensure each Hub was equipped with robust digital infrastructure capable of supporting users. This included Wi-Fi installation, footfall sensors, and data dashboards to track usage. Since January 2024, the Hubs have recorded over 400,000 visits—a clear sign of their role in Sunderland’s communities.
In the words of the Mayor, the programme has played a vital role in “reducing the digital and health divide” and empowering residents with the confidence, skills, and independence to go online.
As Sunderland transforms into a connected, international city with opportunities for all, the council remains committed to ensuring that no one and nowhere is left behind. Programmes such as the Digital Health Hubs are not just about connectivity, but are about building skills, confidence, and community resilience.
If you’d like to learn more about accessing digital support through Sunderland’s digital inclusion programme, or find your nearest Digital Health Hub, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/goonlinesunderland