An evaluation of the DCMS Digital Lifeline Fund programme
This evaluation report shares insights from the Digital Lifeline Fund programme, which supported 5,500 digitally excluded people with learning disabilities to access devices, data and digital support.
An evaluation of the DCMS Digital Lifeline Fund programme
The Digital Lifeline programme, funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, was delivered by Good Things Foundation with AbilityNet, Learning Disability England, Digital Unite and VODG – Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, along with 146 community and coordination partners across England. Having a device, data and support has helped people grow their digital skills, feel more confident and connected.
The evaluation report has been delivered by Good Things Foundation’s researchers with RIX Social Researchers – a team of people with learning disabilities trained in peer research and supported by University of East London.
Our report brings together findings from baseline and early outcomes data collected in the first few weeks after distributing devices and support, alongside insights from qualitative research undertaken in the following months with people with learning disabilities, family members and carers, and community partners. Drawing on this data, we make recommendations for policy makers, funders, practitioners and for future programmes.
The impact of the DCMS Digital Lifeline Fund programme
In under 4 months, over 5,500 people with learning disabilities were supported to become digitally included by 146 community partners across the UK. More than 2,300 pieces of adaptive kit was provided for additional needs, and every single person supported received a gifted tablet paired with free mobile data.
Download the full evaluation report or infographic to find out more. Text-based versions of the Summary and Full Evaluation Report are available on the gov.uk website