Strengthening Digital Inclusion and Community Resilience in Rochdale

Over the past few months, we’ve been working in partnership with Rochdale Council’s Digital Inclusion team to help residents stay safe, well and prepared for emergencies.

Local people had previously raised concerns that many proactive preparedness measures, such as signing up for weather alerts, are primarily available online. For residents who are digitally isolated, this creates a significant barrier to accessing vital information and support. By collaborating closely with the Digital Inclusion team, we were able to better understand these challenges and provide practical, hands-on assistance to those at risk of being excluded.

Through dedicated IT support sessions, participants developed essential digital life skills, including completing online forms and navigating key websites. At the same time, they registered for proactive support services such as the Extra Care Register and Energyworks, ensuring they can access tailored help when they need it most.

Across a series of digital tea parties and one-to-one drop-in sessions, we supported 26 residents in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale to build their confidence online and learn more about climate resilience. As a result, more than half have now joined the Extra Care Register, enabling them to receive early weather warnings and additional tailored support during power cuts.

“Groundwork’s visit was a fantastic boost for our learners, completing the online form not only supported their progress but also gave them a brilliant, hands-on opportunity to strengthen their digital skills in a real and exciting way!”
– Michelle, Shania & Tyrone, Digital Inclusion Team

This project has been made possible thanks to funding from Electricity North West.