Celebrating digital inclusion with Nick Smith MP and Vodafone at Blaenau Gwent Digital Inclusion Hub

Celebrating digital inclusion

Blaenau Gwent Member of Parliament Nick Smith MP visited Abertillery Library today to witness firsthand the new building and the library’s remarkable efforts in promoting digital inclusion among residents. The new Abertillery Library is part of Aneurin Leisure, the leisure, learning and cultural service provider that operates across the area. The organisation used the visit to highlight its collaboration with Vodafone and Good Things Foundation, who are together delivering free mobile connectivity data to locals through their National Databank initiative.

"So much of our daily life takes place online nowadays, from banking and paying bills, to looking for work or even just staying in touch with friends and family. Tackling digital exclusion in communities like ours is so important. It is fantastic that Aneurin Leisure has teamed up with Vodafone and the Good Things Foundation to deliver this scheme and help everyone get connected."

 

Nick Smith MP

Distributing free mobile SIMs

The visit is Nick Smith MP’s first trip to a digital inclusion hub in his area. As a registered Databank, Smith saw first-hand Abertillery Library and others in the Aneurin Leisure ecosystem distribute free mobile SIMs – a mixture of Vodafone, VMO2, and Three UK – to people who cannot access them, for whatever reason. 

During his visit, Mr Smith engaged with library staff and members of the local Council, gaining insights into the digital inclusion services they provide and the difference it makes in the community.

"Providing free data for people enables us to provide a holistic approach to digital inclusion. The National Databank offers a way to stay connected for anyone cut off from the basic on-activities that most people take for granted, such as finding information, paying bills and contacting families and friends.  Our libraries are based in the heart of all communities in Blaenau Gwent, providing the ideal locations to deliver this scheme."

 

Tracy Jones, Library Services Manager

Migrating to a digital world

The visit comes at a significant time, as services continue to migrate to the digital world - from booking GP appointments, banking, and grocery shopping, through to Universal Credit and other social security benefits. The House of Lords said last year that it was ‘time for the Government to act’ on digital exclusion, so it’s encouraging to have local MPs visit hubs where urgent and necessary services are developed and communities across the UK can altogether gain the benefits of digital for both life and work.

"It is so integral that MPs step up and learn about the essential digital inclusion hubs in their local areas, like the libraries supported through Aneurin Leisure. Libraries play an important role in ensuring communities stay connected, providing in-person support to those typically digitally excluded, across the country - with 21% of the public feeling left behind by technology, it’s great Nick Smith MP has seen first hand how people can get support and celebrate it."

 

Helen Milner, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation

Accessing the benefits of connectivity 

"Everyone should have access to the benefits connectivity brings, which is why tackling digital exclusion sits at the heart of our business. But as society becomes more reliant on digital technology, the gap between those without access to connectivity and those with it grows ever bigger. To make things worse, digital exclusion is often an invisible issue, and one that’s experienced for a variety of different reasons. That’s why visits like the one today from Nick are so important, as they continue to raise vital awareness of this issue and its causes. 

 

I’m so proud of everything we have achieved through our everyone.connected programme so far, and we remain committed to helping as many people and businesses as we can to cross the digital divide."

 

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Vodafone UK

Blaenau Gwent Libraries’ commitment to digital inclusion is a shining example of how libraries are more than just repositories of books; they are dynamic community hubs addressing contemporary challenges. The visit by Blaenau Gwent’s MP underscores the importance of supporting such local initiatives and the crucial role they play in fostering inclusive, digitally connected communities.