Closing the Digital Divide For Hammersmith and Fulham Residents

In today’s interconnected world, digital literacy is essential for everyone, regardless of age. Unfortunately, a significant portion of older adults still lack the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape. According to Age UK, almost 6 million people aged 65 and over in the UK are unable to use the internet safely or at all.

At MSPS, we understand the detrimental effects of the digital divide and aim to close this gap by offering educational classes to residents who need our support.

As part of our Social Value work in Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council, we have been delivering digital inclusion classes across the borough since May in partnership with the Masbro Centre in Hammersmith. The centre provides services and activities to locals and after discovering there was an Elders project for over 55’s.

Incorporating this initiative into the Elders Project was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of being digital and encourage older people to explore how technology can enhance their daily lives. Project Manager, Tina Wood, concluded that not only was it a fantastic concept, but it was also very much needed.

Masbro Centre’s Elder’s Project Manager, Tina Wood said:

“This is a really significant initiative since it gives our older residents the opportunity to select a theme, learn at their own speed and participate in one-on-one sessions, so they can ask questions. The residents have benefited greatly from the sessions and are sincerely appreciative of what they have learnt. I value MSPS’s dedication to ensuring older people have access to the digital skills they need, and they are not left behind.”

The informal, friendly sessions were learner-led allowing residents to choose themes that matter to them, which included navigating WhatsApp, booking holidays, and making online purchases.

The attendees appreciated being able to raise questions in a friendly setting and receiving assistance without passing judgement on any topic in a group setting.

Local resident Katrina who attended the sessions said:

“I found the sessions very helpful, I was able to book a flight online after Chris showed me how to navigate the booking site.”

MSPS Head of Social Value, Helen Sheen said:

The Social Value team has been delighted to work in partnership with the Masbro Centre to support local residents in Hammersmith and Fulham. A lack of digital skills and access can have negative impact on a person’s life, leading to social isolation and economic barriers. By empowering older adults with digital skills, we create a more connected, resilient, and compassionate society.”

Fostering connections is just as important to digital inclusion as mastering technology. By equipping older people with digital literacy, we close the generational divide. Through our digital inclusion initiative, older people will become more engaged, helping them to keep up to date on local events, engage in online networks, and have video conversations with loved ones—all of which help them feel included and fight loneliness.