Connect 15: Strengthening Communities Through Digital Inclusion

In Salford, digital access is more than a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Yet, many residents still face barriers to getting online. That’s why Salford is proud to launch Connect 15, a community-powered initiative designed to close the digital divide and bring essential digital support within a 15-minute walk of every resident.

Connect 15 is funded through the Strengthening Communities Digital Inclusion Fund, awarded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This fund empowers local authorities to create sustainable, locally driven digital inclusion solutions that respond to real community needs. Salford’s approach focuses on underserved areas—those more than 1km from existing digital support hubs—and aims to increase access to digital skills, devices, and services for those most at risk of exclusion.

💻With this funding, Salford is expanding digital access through a network of hubs in libraries, and community organisations. These spaces will offer free internet, access to devices, and support to help residents get online and build their digital skills. Digital Champions are at the heart of Connect 15—local volunteers trained to offer one-to-one digital support at each hub. They help residents build confidence online, access essential services, and stay safe. Whether it’s setting up devices, navigating forms, or connecting people to the National Databank, their support makes digital inclusion personal and empowering. The project also introduces immersive technologies like VR and AI to support learning, wellbeing, and independent living.

Connect 15 aligns with Salford’s broader goals—promoting inclusion, tackling inequality, and creating places where people want to live. By embedding digital support into everyday community life, this project is not just about technology—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and connection.

Connect 15 Digital Inclusion Fund Launched

In April 2025 Salford Council – Digital Inclusion officially launched the Connect 15 Digital Inclusion Fund—a key milestone in our mission to strengthen communities through digital access and support.

Following the launch, funding has now been distributed to a number of successful partner organisations across the city. These partners will play a vital role in delivering community-led digital inclusion events at newly established Connect 15 digital hubs.

These events will help residents build confidence, develop essential digital skills, and access online services in safe, welcoming environments. Each hub is designed to bring digital support within a 15-minute walk of underserved communities.

Connect 15 Events

👉 Please see below for information on the location of the new digital hubs and the events that will be held over the coming weeks. These events are open to all Salford residents—so come along, get connected, and be part of a more inclusive digital future! 💻🌐

The Hive Wellbeing Hub is hosting Tech & Tea @ The Hive

Event Location: 185 Manchester Road, Manchester M27 4FA

Day: Wednesdays 10am - 12noon

Overview:

Come along to the new Tech and Tea group led by the Digital Champion, Garry. These are relaxed, weekly sessions shaped by you. Bring your device (smartphone, tab, let or laptop) along to the session and get some useful tips, help and advice.

Contact Information

If you would like to join Tech & Tea @ The Hive please feel free to stop by or contact the team at:

T: 0161 425 4140

E: info@swintonhive.co.uk 

Salford Community Upskilling CIC will be delivering their Digital Horizons project.

Event Location: Salford Loaves and Fishes, 1 Paddington Close, Salford M6 5PL

Day: Mondays (for four weeks)

Time: 1pm - 3pm

Overview: 

  • Virtual Reality Exploration – Participants will use VR headsets to experience virtual environments, such as imagined cities.
  • Learning English with Alexa – Using Echo Show 5, learners will engage in interactive language practice, voice commands, and fun activities to build vocabulary and digital confidence.
  • Digital Skills for Employment – Focused on job searching, CV writing, and online applications, supported by newly trained Digital Champions.
  • Creative Digital Expression – Participants will use digital cameras and devices to capture and share photos of group activities, exploring various digital tools.

Contact Information

If you would like to join the Digital Horizons project please contact:

M: 07572681147

E: community.upskilling@gmail.com 

Women with Wings will host Digital Literacy Project

Event Location: Women with Wings, 26 Hulton District Centre, Little Hulton, Salford, M28 0AU

Day: Thursdays (for three months)

Overview:

The Women with Wings Digital Literacy Project empowers women in Salford by providing essential digital skills to boost confidence, employability, and entrepreneurial potential. It addresses barriers to digital inclusion through hands-on training in:

  • Digital Basics – Intro to online tools and social media
  • Content Creation & Marketing – Graphic design, video editing, branding
  • Entrepreneurship & Digital Skills – E-commerce, financial literacy, and online business tools

Contact Information

If you would like to join the Digital Literacy Project please contact the team at Women with Wings

T: Jasmin CEO - 07466 380 504 / Liv Admin - 07469 429631

E: hello@womenwithwingsgroup.org 

Binoh Manchester will be hosting Kehilla (Community) support sessions

Event Location: Binoh Centre, Leicester Hall, 115 Leicester Road, Salford, M7 4GP

Overview:

Kehilla Support – Digital Training for SEN in the Orthodox Jewish Community

This community-led initiative aims to train parents, carers, and teachers from Salford’s Orthodox Jewish community in using digital educational tools to support children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), such as dyslexia and autism. Due to cultural norms that limit access to mainstream media and internet use, the community often misses out on digital opportunities.

Key Features:

Focus: Training in cutting-edge digital programmes to improve literacy, behaviour, and educational outcomes for excluded and disadvantaged children.
Delivery: Two in-person training sessions in Summer 2025 (one daytime, one twilight), led by Salford’s Learning Support Team.

If you would like to join the sessions at Binoh please contact:

T: 0161 720 8585

Connect Talent will be hosting the Virtual Bridges: Connecting Communities project

Overview:

Delivered by Connect Talent CIO, this project will run eight weekly sessions from May to October 2025 at their Hub. It aims to introduce younger people, older adults, and migrant communities to Virtual Reality and Amazon Echo Show 5 technologies in a welcoming, inclusive setting.

Activities include:

  • Guided VR experiences (e.g. virtual nature walks, cultural tours)
  • Workshops on using Alexa/Echo Show for everyday tasks
  • Intergenerational support from young tech volunteers
  • Expert guidance from Digital Champions

If you'd like to join the Virtual Bridges: Connecting Communities project please contact: 

M: +44 (0)7502358200

E: admin@connect-talent.org 

Sovereign House GH is hosting The Digital Bridge project.

When: 1 September - 26 October

Event Location: Salford Loaves and Fishes, 1 Paddington Close, Salford M6 5PL

Overview:

Intergenerational Digital Learning Project

This eight-week initiative brings together participants from 50+ and children’s digital learning classes for weekly two-hour sessions, running from June to August. The project fosters mutual learning and connection across generations.

Session Format:

  • Hour 1: Older participants mentor younger ones on life skills and community topics.
  • Hour 2: Younger participants teach older adults how to use modern technology, helping bridge the digital divide.

Goals:

  • Promote digital inclusion and shared learning
  • Build confidence and skills across age groups
  • Address digital poverty and exclusion in Salford

If you would like to join the Digital Bridge project please contact:

T: (+44) 01617 591 255

E: contact@sovereignhousegh.com 

Salford Disability Forum is hosting the SDF Digital Inclusion project.

Event Locations: 

  • The Tatton, 172 Tatton Street, Ordsall, Salford, M5 3PS
  • Eccles Library, 28 Barton Lane, Eccles, M30 0TU

When: 27 June to 11 August

Overview: 

Digital Inclusion Support at The Tatton and Eccles Library

This project aims to bridge the digital gap for Salford residents—particularly those with disabilities or long-term health conditions—who lack basic digital skills needed for employment and daily life. In response to increasing referrals from Restart, the initiative will offer:

  • 1-to-1 digital skills training and advice
  • Support with accessing internet via social tariffs and national databank SIMs (including mobile broadband)
  • Guidance on safe browsing practices

Sessions will be managed by Salford Disabilities Future (SDF) volunteers, ensuring ongoing support for those experiencing digital poverty and exclusion due to limited access to devices and missed education opportunities during refugee journeys.

If you would like to join the SDF Digital Inclusion sessions please contact:

M: +44(0)7592 100 538

E: office@salforddisabilityforum.com 

WSH BME Kidney Network is hosting EmpowerNet: Digital Skills for Wellbeing events.

Event Location: Women with Wings, 26 Hulton District Centre, Little Hulton, Salford, M28 0AU

Overview:

EmpowerNet – Digital Empowerment Through Technology & Inclusion

Running weekly over six months from May 2025, EmpowerNet will deliver 2-hour sessions primarily at Women with Wings, with additional sessions at St. James House and other Connect 15 centres. The programme is co-led by trained volunteers, staff, and Digital Champions.

Key Features:

  • Hands-on experience with tablets, Chromebooks, Echo Show 5s, VR headsets, and video tools
  • Activities to build digital confidence, support wellbeing (e.g. VR relaxation, Alexa tools), and explore emerging tech like AI
  • Access to guided online learning via the Safehaus UK Learning Centre platform

If you would like to join the EmpowerNet – Digital Empowerment Through Technology & Inclusion sessions please contact:

M: 07862 348 994
E: hello@wshbmekidneynetwork.org.uk 

Outcomes

Since January 2025, we've welcomed 19 new Digital Hubs across Salford.

What does that mean for our communities?

Thanks to the Connect 15 programme, 81% of Salford residents now live within a 15-minute walk of a Digital Hub. That’s a 32.7% increase in coverage, bringing 26,916 more households within 1km of vital digital support.

These hubs offer:

  • Free access to devices
  • One-to-one digital skills support
  • Connectivity help, including free mobile data

 

19

New Digital Hubs across Salford

81%

Nearly 80% of Salford residents now live within 15-minute walk of a Digital Hub

33%

Increase in households within 1km of Digital Hubs

22

Digital champions supporting the Connect 15 events and Digital Hubs

290

Salford residents supported to date by the digital champions

26,916

More households within 1km of vital digital support

109,255

Households are now within 1km of a Digital Hub

22

New national databanks set up as part of the Connect 15 initiative

436

SIM cards activated throughout the project

106

Number of Connect 15 sessions scheduled to be delivered

247

Number of residents anticipated to attend the Connect 15 events

Together, we’re closing the digital divide—one hub at a time.

Quotes and Case Studies

Click below to discover how the Connect 15 programme is making a difference for our partner organisations and Salford residents.

Young man wearing VR headset

Overview

Connect 15 partnered with Salford Foundation’s The Shed to deliver a series of digital inclusion sessions aimed at supporting men in Salford. The Shed provides a safe, confidential space offering holistic support across welfare, skills, and rehabilitation.


Delivery & Participation

Over five sessions, 14 individuals engaged in immersive digital experiences designed to inspire, educate, and promote wellbeing.

Session Highlights

  • Insight & Inspiration: Participants explored the pyramids of Egypt and swam with sharks using VR headsets, sparking curiosity and cultural awareness.
  • Mindfulness: Guided meditation in a sensory room helped individuals manage stress and improve mental wellbeing.
  • Games: Interactive VR games supported cognitive development and encouraged social interaction.


Conclusion

Connect 15’s work with The Shed shows how using digital tools can help people feel more included and confident. By giving them exciting and meaningful experiences, the programme has helped people get involved, learn new things, and feel more hopeful about their future.

 

The VR headsets have added great value to our centre and have given insight to new opportunities and inspiration for our service users. They have helped to connect people together in the physical space whilst learning about new cultures and experiences far from Salford. These devices have broadened the horizons for some of our most disadvantaged service users.

John - Salford Foundation, The Shed

As part of the Connect 15 – Strengthening Community programme, we’ve placed digital champions with many of our partner organisations. One of these is Salford Disability Forum in Pendleton. Below are a few reflections from both the organisation and our digital champion.

The digital champions that we've had have been absolutely amazing and [the Digital Inclusion team have] really helped us with equipment and all sorts of things going forward.

Kay - Salford Disability Forum

We took four volunteers from your pool and they've all been fantastic in working in different ways. They were originally set to work with the Claremont and Weaste opportunities club, however on talking to our volunteers and realising what skills they had to offer, we used them in various different ways. Chris has come on board and helped us... set up a new website, put integrations with LinkedIn, with Facebook profile, set up Canva, adjusted our logos... and done loads of fab work.

Andy - Salford Disability Forum

It's been phenomenal to help them overcome the challenges they've had with limited technology. That's been a bonus for them. 
And they've also seen it. So it's less stressful and you can see the more relaxed in the faces as well. So there's more smiles and more laughing in the office. The support from the digital inclusion team and the digital inclusion officer for Salford City Council has been phenomenal. Just that feeling of knowing you've helped an organisation to kind of come from a background where there's possibly no digital infrastructure to then help them move into that. Yeah, it's great.

Chris - Digital Champion

Can I just say thank you so much for everything, but in particular for finding [the digital champion] for us - he's an absolute star and we are really excited to be working with him!

I just wanted to thank you both again for the IWB and accessories, and setting it up for us. It got its first use today at a meeting for leaders of Community organisations in Ordsall, and was much admired!

Branwen - The Tatton

The TV has been an excellent addition to our digital inclusion sessions, allowing us to deliver more engaging and interactive workshops. It helps us demonstrate practical skills in real-time, improves accessibility for participants with language barriers, and supports a more inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

Pat - Revive

The following quotes are from Jasmin, Founder of Women with Wings, who has been supported by Digital Champions as part of the Connect 15 - Strengthening Communities programme:

Amy

Amy, our Digital Champion, who leads digital literacy sessions every Thursday. Amy has helped and supported our community with digital technology since February 2025. We have seen the impact of these sessions over time.  
The sessions are open to all Little Hulton residents who wish to increase their knowledge of technology. So far, we’ve supported over 20 residents, ranging in age from 17 to over 55.  
Amy is equipped with valuable knowledge in technology—something much needed in our community—and she is determined to pass it on to our residents.  
Thank you, Amy, for the wonderful work you do in our community.

 

Chris

We’ve started working with Chris to support us in building and managing our own website and social media platforms. Chris has the knowledge that our organisation, Women with Wings, truly needs.

The future looks bright with this support, and we can’t wait to be in a position to run and manage our own website—it will save us a lot of money.

Thank you Chris for your support, we appreciate it so much.

Jasmin - Women with Wings

About the author

Digital Everyone

The Digital Everyone project is part of Salford’s aim to become a Digital City, an ambition which forms part of our wider vision for a better, fairer Salford to improve resident’s lives.

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