Help Us Continue Bridging the Digital Divide Across Hackney

Bridge the Gap Ending Digital Poverty C.I.C. was created from a simple but urgent belief:

No one should be excluded from opportunities, essential services, education, healthcare, or connection because they cannot access or use technology.

What started as a grassroots community response has grown into a trusted digital inclusion organisation supporting some of the most vulnerable and digitally excluded residents across Hackney and beyond.

Every week, we meet people who are struggling silently.

Parents unable to complete school forms online.

Older adults isolated from loved ones because they do not know how to use technology.

Residents missing healthcare appointments because they cannot access NHS systems.

Individuals unable to apply for jobs or benefits because they do not have internet access, devices, or digital confidence.

People experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, financial hardship, disability, or social isolation who feel left behind in an increasingly digital world.

For many people, digital exclusion is not simply about technology.

It affects confidence, wellbeing, independence, mental health, access to opportunities, and connection to the outside world.

That is why Bridge the Gap exists.

We provide safe, welcoming, and non judgemental spaces where people can receive practical one to one support with digital skills, devices, connectivity, and online services.

We currently run 4 community digital inclusion hubs across Hackney, supporting residents with:

• Phones, laptops, and tablets

• NHS apps and GP access

• Benefits and Universal Credit support

• Housing applications

• Email accounts and passwords

• Online safety and scam awareness

• Job searches and CV support

• Access to devices and internet connectivity

• Building confidence using technology independently

But our support goes far beyond digital skills.

Many residents return because they finally feel seen, listened to, and supported at their own pace.

One resident shared:

“For the first time, someone went at my pace.”

Another said:

“I came for help with my phone, but I stayed because it felt safe.”

And another shared:

“I didn’t realise how lonely I was until I came here.”

These are not just sessions.

They are lifelines.

Our Impact So Far

Since 2020, Bridge the Gap has supported thousands of residents experiencing digital exclusion and hardship.

Together with our volunteers, partners, and supporters, we have achieved:

• 5,000+ people reached and supported

• 700+ devices distributed

• 429+ Data SIMs provided

• 60+ digital skills workshops delivered

• 558+ residents engaged through workshops and drop in sessions

• 317+ residents supported with digital access and essential services

• 76 families supported with energy vouchers during the cost of living crisis

• 90+ devices distributed in 2025 despite operational challenges

• 95 SIM cards distributed in 2025 alone helping residents stay connected to healthcare, education, employment, and loved ones

Our work has supported:

• Low income families

• Disabled and neurodivergent residents

• Refugees and asylum seekers

• Older adults experiencing isolation

• Residents in temporary accommodation

• Survivors of domestic abuse

• Students and jobseekers

• Individuals facing financial hardship and crisis situations

The Challenges We Faced

2025 was one of the hardest years Bridge the Gap has experienced.

A break in significantly impacted our organisation, disrupting operations, affecting equipment and resources, delaying planned expansion into library based digital hubs, and placing additional pressure on our already stretched volunteer led team.

17 devices intended for community support were stolen.

At times, funding was uncertain and only guaranteed for short periods, making long term planning extremely difficult. Despite this, we refused to stop supporting the community.

Even with limited resources, we continued delivering workshops, drop in support, SIM connectivity, device access, and community outreach because the need never disappeared.

In fact, demand continued growing.

Every week our hubs continue operating at full capacity, with residents requiring ongoing support to navigate systems that many people now take for granted.

Why We Need Your Help Now

Bridge the Gap is still here because of community support, determination, volunteers, partnerships, and the belief that nobody should be left behind digitally.

But we cannot continue this work sustainably without funding.

We are now raising £45,000 to help sustain and strengthen our community digital inclusion hubs for the next 12 months.

This funding will help us continue delivering safe, accessible, and person centred support across Hackney while improving sustainability, staffing, volunteer support, and operational stability.

How Funding Will Be Used

Community venue contributions and hub space costs £4,800

Hub Coordinator / Project Management Support £15,000

Administrative and operational support £6,000

Volunteer travel, refreshments, and support costs £3,000

Workshop materials, printing, and learning resources £2,000

SIM card and connectivity support £3,500

Device setup, repairs, software, and maintenance £4,000

Outreach, awareness, and community engagement £2,200

Insurance, safeguarding, DBS, and compliance costs £2,500

Administration systems, subscriptions, and communication costs £2,000

Total Annual Project Cost: £45,000

Your support will help us:

• Continue delivering 4 digital inclusion hubs across Hackney

• Support residents struggling with digital access and confidence

• Reduce isolation and improve wellbeing

• Help residents access healthcare, education, housing, and employment services online

• Maintain safe and trusted community spaces

• Strengthen volunteer and community support systems

• Ensure vulnerable residents are not left behind in an increasingly digital world

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign to help raise awareness of digital exclusion and the urgent need for sustainable community support services.

Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue building a more connected, inclusive, and supported community.

Bridge the Gap Ending Digital Poverty C.I.C.