Faith in Families has been awarded a Digital Inclusion fund from BT as part of their social value commitment as the delivery partner for the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s Better Broadband Infill Project.
The £15,750 fund will support an eight-week community programme called Safe Working, Digital Information Skills & Confident Communication. The Swansea-based programme will work with a total of 30 people from the communities of Bonymaen, Clase and Portmead, helping them gain practical digital skills, improve confidence and move closer to volunteering, learning or work.
A key part of the project is tackling digital exclusion. Many people still struggle to access or use digital technology. The fund will pay for the purchase of laptops for participants to have access to, internet support and guided digital help, so they can fully take part in learning and everyday online activities. The laptops will then stay within the community after the programme finishes, allowing local people to continue using them for learning, job searching and family support.
The project was selected for it’s well planned and clearly focused community need. Faith in Families showed strong experience in supporting families and reducing digital exclusion, with a clear plan to make sure the benefits of the project last beyond the funding period. One sustainable aspect being that staff will use the course to enable them to continue delivering the programme content to others in the future.
Sessions will be delivered in familiar local community venues, making them easy to attend and welcoming for participants. Extra one-to-one digital support will be available for people who need additional help.
Natasha Cardone from Faith in families said:
This funding allows us to strengthen digital confidence within communities that face real barriers to access. By combining digital skills with confidence-building and communication, we can support families not only to get online, but to thrive.Natasha Cardone, Faith in Families
Cllr Andrea Williams, Deputy Leader of Swansea Council said
This project is a powerful example of what can happen when investment is directed straight into the heart of our communities. By giving people in Bonymaen, Clase and Portmead the confidence, skills and tools to get online, we’re helping to remove long‑standing barriers and opening up new opportunities for learning, connection and support. What makes this initiative so special is that it doesn’t just provide equipment, it builds lasting digital confidence within trusted local spaces, ensuring that families can continue to benefit long after the programme ends.Cllir, Andrea Williamas, Swansea Council
The Digital Infrastructure Programme supports projects that help reduce digital exclusion and ensure communities are not left behind as more services move online.
To get involved with Faith in Families, visit their website or to find out more about the social value community projects being supported across the region, visit the Digital Infrastructure Programme's social value page.