Social landlord launches initiative to encourage digital inclusion
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 9 April 2025
A Leicestershire housing association has launched a new programme aimed at tackling digital exclusion among its customers.
Platform Housing Group has created a group of colleagues called Platform Digital Ninjas who can help residents who are struggling with digital access and offer support and signposting.
The initiative is part of the landlord’s wider digital inclusion work – led by its Digital4Everyone team – which has already helped around 4,000 customers gain online skills and confidence during 2024-25. The Digital Ninja training programme builds on this success by helping colleagues understand the real life impacts of digital exclusion and how they can help bridge the gap.
Co-delivered with pioneering UK charity AbilityNet, the training introduces colleagues to the signs of digital exclusion, such as not being able to afford WiFi or lacking confidence in using websites or apps. It also explores practical tools and resources that can support customers, including innovative assistive technology such as Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, which help blind or low vision users navigate the digital world.
Tim Marsh, Digital Empowerment Officer at Platform Housing Group said:
“Digital exclusion can be incredibly isolating; it can prevent people applying for jobs, managing their finances or even staying in touch with loved ones. Through Platform Digital Ninjas, we’re making sure our colleagues feel confident to listen, empathise and refer customers to the support they need. They don’t need to be tech savvy, just willing to help.”
According to NHS Digital*, people living in social housing are among the groups most likely to be digitally excluded; by upskilling colleagues in this way, Platform aims to ensure no customer is left behind in an increasingly digital world.
