Digital Inclusion Funds (DIF) have been provided by suppliers of capital-funded projects and are helping to strengthen services, reach more people and support those most in need. Social value tackling digital exclusion and enhance the services they provide.

The following organisations have been awarded Digital Inclusion Funds to support their work in the community.

Funded by Virgin Media O2:

  • Age Cymru Dyfed

Helping Pembrokeshire go Digital

Funded by BT:

  • PLANED – Carmarthen Living Well Centre

  • Faith In Families – Swansea

  • Neath Boys and Girls Club

In addition to supporting community organisations, BT is also working with Pembrokeshire County Council to explore the creation of paid training placements for local residents facing barriers to employment. The initiative would provide valuable hands-on experience, help participants develop digital and workplace skills, and create pathways into future employment opportunities.

A range of organisations have also benefitted from 5 years free full fibre broadband as part of the social value offered through the Dark Fibre East project delivered in partnership with Virgin Media O2.

  • The Sunflower Lounge

  • Taibach Community Library

  • Swansea Mosque

  • South Penlan Community Centre

  • Helping Pembrokeshire go Digital

  • Me, Myself and I Community Hub

This support is helping to reduce isolation, enabling access to essential online services and providing better education and employment opportunities.

The programme is also supporting a range of initiatives designed to strengthen digital skills and reduce barriers to getting online. Through work linked to the National Institute of Sport and Health, Vodafone donated SIM cards and refurbished devices are being made available via The Good Things Foundation, helping individuals overcome data poverty and stay connected.

With additional social value offerings from ITS as part of the Dark Fibre Carmarthenshire project, the outlook for communities in the region is positive. Councillor Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said:

Our commitment to social value is central to the contracts we agree with suppliers. We've seen some fantastic collaborations between our local digital champions and the companies improving our region's digital infrastructure, and it's great to see how that is now having a positive impact on charities, community groups and individuals. The social value being delivered is helping to strengthen services, improve digital skills, and support a more inclusive digital future for local people.
Cllr. Rob Stewart, Swansea Council

To read more about the community organisations that have benefited from the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s social value funding, go to the Social Value page.

If you are a charity or a community interest company in the Swansea or Neath Port Talbot area that supports digital inclusion, there is still the opportunity to receive FREE Virgin Media Business broadband for 5 years (up to 1000Mbps download speed!).

For more information on this and to submit an expression of interest, please contact your local Digital Champion.