Digital exclusion can turn 'digital first' into 'no access'

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  • Rural barriers include patchy

broadband/mobile coverage, device and data costs, and limited confidence.

  • People can be digitally excluded even when they have a smartphone: confidence, trust, accessibility and service design matter. • Devon’s overall Digital Exclusion Risk Index is 3.9/10
  • Online-only access can compound existing inequalities in healthcare, benefits, education and employment. Mid Devon and East Devon are 4.3, with some small areas reaching 6.6.

Source: Devon Public Health: Digital Exclusion JSNA (May/July 2026) Peggy is an older woman. Starting from being completely digitally excluded received multiple VCSE Digital Inclusion sessions over months in to help her feel more confident and to understand how best her iPad and phone could help her in her everyday life. Focusing on key skills to help her to connect with friends and family better, particularly her children who did not live close by greatly improved her wellbeing. These skills also enabled her to be more independent, and she was even able to contact bill providers over email when needed, as well as search the internet for information her with a new sense of independence.

  • Devon's overall Digital Exclusion Risk Index is 3.9/10
  • Mid Devon and East Devon are 4.3, with some small areas reaching 6.6.

Peggy is an older woman. Starting from being completely digitally excluded received multiple VCSE Digital Inclusion sessions over months in to help her feel more confident and to understand how best her iPad and phone could help her in her everyday life. Focusing on key skills to help her to connect with friends and family better, particularly her children who did not live close by greatly improved her wellbeing. These skills also enabled her to be more independent, and she was even able to contact bill providers over email when needed, as well as search the internet for information her with a new sense of independence.

Note: Photo for illustrative purposes only. Stock imagery used. Names and details have been changed to protect client confidentiality

Agenda Item 6