Digital inclusion

Digital Inclusion gives everyone the opportunity to learn about getting online. Find volunteering opportunities, projects to help support adults through the use of digital technology, how to guides and more.

Power UP! programme

Power UP! is a UKSPF government funded partnership between Epping Forest District Council and Voluntary Action Epping Forest that seeks to reduce the digital divide in the Epping Forest district.

From digital support walk-in surgeries and skills workshops to hardware device and data donation programmes, we collaboratively strive to Power UP! people’s digital experience!

There are various ways to get involved.

Donate your old smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC.

Our Digital Champions will clean and restore it and provide it to a person or household that currently does not have regular personal access to digital hardware.

Digital devices in a in good working condition can be dropped off at:

  • EFDC Civic Offices reception, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

Do you have basic digital skills and an interest in helping others near where you live? The Power UP! Project is looking for Digital Champion volunteers to help run workshops and walk-in digital support surgeries, across the Epping Forest district.

You will receive training and access to digital skills tools and platforms to help you make a difference in other people’s digital lives.

Volunteering can be at flexible times that work for you, with no minimum commitment.

For more information contact:

Do you know local people, who lack digital skills, confidence or online connectivity? Let them know about the Power UP! Programme and encourage them to reach out and benefit from the project.

You can find details of local digital support in a calendar on the Power UP! Website:

Epping Forest digital inclusion support

A local service supporting individuals and families to access online services such as:

  • Employment support
  • Skills for life
  • Online shopping
  • Banking
  • Socialising
  • Health interventions and appointments

Delivered by Voluntary Action Epping Forest at Epping Community Hub. 1-2-1 digital support can be provided by appointment or drop in:

  • Epping Community Hub, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ
  • Thursdays 9.30am to 12.30pm

Home visit digital support can also be discussed.

For more information contact:

Health and Digital Literacy Hub

NHS England is partnering with libraries to improve access to online health services through the NHS App and NHS.UK.

This pilot aims to increase digital health inclusion and empower people to take a more active role in managing their health.

Databank SIM cards (mobile data)

The National Databank functions like a food bank, but for mobile data. It provides free mobile SIM cards to individuals who lack internet access. Epping Forest District Council is a proud member of the Databank and can offer SIM cards with preloaded data to residents aged 18 and over who are experiencing data poverty – meaning they have no access to the internet or the means to pay for data or broadband services. Availability is subject to stock.

We distribute these SIM cards and gift free mobile data to those living on low incomes or facing data hardship within our community.

For support, please visit us at the Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ.

Digital skills, learning and support

We are proud to partner with registered social enterprise Digital Unite, to support residents with digital skills learning to help them keep connected and engage in this ever-increasing digital world.

Our digital skills, learning & support page offers a range of how-to guides that have been written by subject matter experts at Digital Unite. The guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge.

Find more information on our Digital skills, learning & support page.

More information