Investment in digital across the Swansea Bay City Region is producing a second benefit alongside faster and better-connected networks: practical support for people at risk of .
Social-value commitments linked to the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme are being used to fund community organisations, improve access to devices and extend digital support services.
Virgin Media O2 has provided support to Age Cymru Dyfed and Helping Pembrokeshire go Digital. BT has supported Carmarthen Living Well Centre, Faith in Families in Swansea and Neath Boys and Girls Club.
The funding is helping organisations run digital sessions and buy equipment so more people can access online services. BT is also working with Pembrokeshire County Council to explore paid training placements for residents who face barriers to employment.
Digital exclusion is often less about whether technology exists and more about whether someone has the device, confidence, skills or support needed to use it. This programme is using the purchasing power of a large infrastructure project to put some of those missing pieces directly into community hands.