Working together to make Wales a digitally inclusive nation
In today's digital world, making sure everyone in our communities is included is more important than ever. This month, Cadi Cliff, Programme Manager at Digital Communities Wales, Cwmpas shares her thoughts on the benefits of working together to achieve this.
At Cwmpas, we want to see a Wales where everyone can access and use the internet confidently and safely, regardless of their background or circumstances.
For nearly two decades, Cwmpas has driven digital inclusion initiatives across Wales, understanding that digital inclusion is crucial for improving people's health and well-being. However, achieving digital inclusion needs us to work together. This is why we set up the Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales (DIAW) as part of the Welsh Government’s national digital inclusion programme, Digital Communities Wales: Digital Confidence, Health and Well-being (DCW), that Cwmpas delivers. The Alliance brings together over 100 members from various sectors, all working together to make Wales a more digitally inclusive nation.
Being digitally included is not just about having access to technology, it’s about having a better quality of life. Through DIAW, we speak up to make sure everyone, especially people who are underrepresented, have the skills and confidence to benefit from these digital services.
Being digitally included can help people access reliable health information online, monitor their health through digital apps, and communicate more easily with healthcare providers. It can also prevent social isolation - by learning to use digital tools, individuals can stay connected with family, friends, and support networks, contributing to improved mental health and well-being. This connection is so important in a health and care landscape where loneliness is increasingly recognised as a public health concern.
DIAW members help bridge the digital divide by supporting initiatives like the National Databank, which provides free data for those in need, and Digital Champion models in libraries, where staff or volunteers support members of the public to get online and become more digitally confident. We bring organisations together to support each other and signpost to existing digital inclusion support, making sure that what is available for people in Wales is fully used. These efforts empower individuals to manage their health more effectively, access reliable information, and stay connected, reducing social isolation, especially among the elderly.
Any organisation can join the DIAW, just as Llais has done, but they have to sign up to the Digital Inclusion Charter for Wales. This is where Organisations commit to six pledges which help guide them to actively participate in and shape the future of digital inclusion in Wales.
Digital inclusion is vital for health and social care because it ensures equal access to services, makes best use of resources, and supports achieving health and care priorities. As digital tools become part of healthcare – from telemedicine to digital health records – it’s essential that no one is left behind, and health and social care organisations play an essential role in this.
Ultimately the business case for digital transformation of services depends on people having the digital skills, confidence and access to use those services. As those working in the field of health and care in Wales continue to transform services with their colleagues, patients and service users, digital inclusion needs to be at the foundation of their thinking. Together, we can pave the way for a future where everyone can live healthier, more connected lives.