BT Launches Digital Inclusion Initiative

BT has launched a major initiative to help communities across the island of Ireland get online.

‘BT Connected Communities’ initiative, part of BT’s group wide Get IT Together digital inclusion strategy, will support a number of leading voluntary partner organisations, including the Ashton Centre, Newlodge and the Greater Shankill Partnership, through investment and allocation of resources, plus help in managing and supporting a network of learning communities. The commitment by BT amounts to the equivalent of £600,000 in financial support and support in kind, over three years.

Peter Morris commented, “Helping people overcome barriers to communication is at the heart of everything that BT does. Through the BT Connected Communities programme, we have taken a unique approach to digital inclusion by focusing on individual community needs. We are not only making a significant investment in the technology infrastructure for each of the partners, but are also providing time, expertise and energy with the aim of ensuring that no-one is excluded or left disadvantaged due to advances in technology. Over the next three years, hundreds of BT employees will volunteer their time in making this happen.

“Research indicates that the main barrier to preventing people from getting online is a lack of confidence in their own ability. Once they are given a little help and support they are often surprised how easy it can be.

“We are delighted to be working with six groups across the island. We have been very impressed with the work being undertaken by the two Belfast groups participating in the initiative and by the Derry based group, the Gasyard Development Trust, where we have witnessed the great work that is being carried out at the centre.”

Paul Roberts Chief Executive,the Ashton Centre commented,

“We at the Ashton see this as an excellent opportunity for the community. Regardless of what level of ICT skills people might have this programme will allow them to enter at various levels from beginners to more advanced. By working through the Greater New Lodge CEP which includes most community and youth groups in the area we will do our very best to ensure that this programme is totally user friendly and all inclusive”.

David Crawford of Integrated Services for Children and Young People Greater Shankill said, “We are delighted to be working with BT and their financial support coupled by their expertise will make a valuable and lasting contribution to those involved with the Integrated Services for Children & Young People Programme. This is an exciting time for the partnership and we are eager to build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.”

BT has enlisted the help of its major partner Microsoft to bring additional resources to each of the groups participating in the scheme.

BT has been helping people get online for many years by bringing the benefits of ICT to disadvantaged communities. Last year BT invested £1million across the island of Ireland through its corporate responsibility programme to encourage more people to get online and become part of the digital society.