Invitation: Annual Graduation Ceremony
May 5, 2025
Are you a potential sponsor or partner looking to discover more about our programme? Join us for our annual graduation in July!
Digital exclusion affects millions of older adults in the UK. 1 in 3 over-65s lack basic digital skills, and 2.3 million don’t use the internet at all (Age UK, 2024).
This digital divide limits access to healthcare, financial services, social participation, and day-to-day tasks. In a society that’s increasingly digital-first, these barriers widen health and social inequalities, reduce independence, and impact quality of life.
At Community Clicks, we empower older people through friendly, face-to-face digital skills training—bridging the gap between exclusion and confidence, one click at a time.
Older adults without digital skills are often excluded from essential services. Healthcare providers, councils, banks, and utility companies now prioritise online platforms for bookings, payments, and support. This leaves many unable to book GP appointments, manage benefits, renew prescriptions, or access housing services—putting them at a clear disadvantage. The result? Increased risk of unmet needs, dependency, and widening inequality.
As more social interaction moves online – family chats, video catch-ups, hobby groups – those without access or skills can become cut off. Social isolation can lead to chronic loneliness, low mood, and reduced self-esteem. Older adults who are digitally excluded miss out on the opportunity to maintain relationships and build new connections, making everyday life feel more lonely and disconnected.
Lack of digital access also means many older people can’t engage in local events, decision-making, or civic life. From community consultations to online classes and cultural events, participation increasingly requires digital engagement. Being offline excludes people from meaningful social roles and weakens their sense of belonging and purpose.
Digital exclusion impacts financial wellbeing too. Older adults without digital skills may pay more for utilities, miss out on offers, or struggle to access benefits and entitlements. They’re also more vulnerable to fraud and less likely to access advice or budgeting tools. On a wider scale, it reduces opportunities for flexible work, volunteering, and lifelong learning – undermining financial resilience and autonomy.
Digital tools like the NHS App offer access to appointment bookings, prescription requests, and health information. Without the skills to use them, older adults risk delayed care, missed treatments, and poorer health outcomes. Digital exclusion also limits access to mental health resources, preventative advice, and wellbeing services – contributing to ongoing health inequalities.
Regular digital engagement can help stimulate memory, attention, and reasoning. From learning new skills to playing online games or using brain-training apps, technology supports lifelong mental activity. Without access, older adults miss out on these benefits—putting them at higher risk of cognitive decline and disconnection from the wider world.
Digital inclusion isn’t just practical – it’s emotional. Being able to message a grandchild, join a virtual choir, or explore a new interest online can boost self-worth and happiness. In contrast, digital exclusion can lead to frustration, anxiety, and low mood. Supporting older adults to build confidence online is a proven way to promote wellbeing and resilience.
Whether it’s paying a bill, watching a favourite show, or joining a community group, so much of life now depends on digital access. Older adults without digital confidence may struggle to do what others find routine. This increases dependency, limits choices, and contributes to a gradual erosion of independence and joy in everyday life.
From checking a bank balance to renewing a prescription, digital exclusion turns basic tasks into major hurdles. As in-person alternatives are reduced, those without digital skills face longer waits, more admin, and fewer options. This can lead to missed payments, late appointments, and greater reliance on others for simple day-to-day tasks.
Put the ‘S’ in your CSR and ESG goals by sponsoring a programme and contributing to a more digitally equitable and digitally inclusive future.
Are you a potential sponsor or partner looking to discover more about our programme? Join us for our annual graduation in July!
Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is a crucial legal framework that ensures new developments contribute positively to local communities.
Our work with older adults directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing inequality, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting healthier, more sustainable communities.
If you are looking to sponsor a programme, partner with us, or want us to deliver Community Clicks in your area, complete the form or email info@communityclicks.org.
Community Clicks is part of the Positive Transformation Group (PTG).
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