The Keeping Digital Foundation is rolling out National Databank to Digital Cafe services across York

The Keeping Digital Foundation is stepping up its digital inclusion support by rolling out the National Databank to Digital Cafe services across York.

The Keeping Digital Foundation is stepping up its digital inclusion support by rolling out the National Databank to Digital Cafe services across York.

The York-based charitable organisation are partnering with the Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three, to roll out the National Databank programme to Digital Cafes across York which are helping residents most at need.

According to a study commissioned by Virgin Media O2, the cost of living crisis is stopping 10% of people with household incomes of up to £25,000 from calling or texting their loved ones, or limiting how they use their mobile data. And a further 70% of this group said they don't know what they would do if they couldn't access the internet.

The National Databank offers people struggling to stay connected free mobile data top-ups to help ensure they can access online services and keep in touch with family and friends.

Aiming to reach residents most at need during the cost of living crisis, the scheme has been rolled out to the Tang Hall, Sanderson House, St Wulstan and York Stadium Digital Cafes, with residents able to pop in and speak to a volunteer about the Databank or about getting support with their digital devices and getting online.

The programme allows those eligible to receive a free data top-up. In order to make sure the programme supports those most in need, someone receiving data through the Databank must be 18+ years old and be from a low-income household. They must also either have no or insufficient access to the internet at home, or when away from home, or be unable to afford their existing monthly contract or top up.

Residents are then able to receive support from the databank for up to 12 months, whilst also receiving monthly digital inclusion support from the Keeping Digital Foundation, both via email and at our Digital Cafe services.

Residents who are eligible for the programme can visit a Digital Cafe service to talk to a volunteer and apply for the scheme.

A spokesperson at the Keeping Digital Foundation commented:

“The Databank is an amazing addition to the support available for York residents. The recent study commissioned by Virgin Media O2 highlights the challenges faced by residents when it comes to affording access to the internet which is so vital for everyday life. No resident should be unable to get online, access vital information and support, or even just speak to friends and family. By rolling out the Databank to every single Digital Cafe location across the city, we can ensure every resident is not far away from free digital inclusion support, and that the Databank scheme can support as many residents as possible. We urge residents to pop down to their nearest Digital Cafe and speak to a volunteer about how we can help them. We also want to thank Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three for their donations and for helping make the Databank possible both here in York and across the country.”