Understanding Experiences of Digital Poverty across North Tyneside

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Understanding Experiences of Digital Poverty across North Tyneside

• IRAS ID

  304555

• Contact name

  Gemma Wilson-Menzfeld

• Contact email

  gemma.wilson-menzfeld@northumbria.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Northumbria at Newcastle

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  120449 / 100987 , Internal Funding Reference at Northumbria University

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Whilst we understand the factors affecting digital access and digital skills, the prevalence of digital exclusion and the experiences of digital exclusion in society are less understood. Currently, we are relying on anecdotal accounts of digital poverty nationally, and the impact of COVID-19 on experiences of non-access, from families sitting in their car at the McDonalds car park to access Wi-Fi, to multiple children taking turns to share one smartphone for their education at home. The issue has also been recognised by the BBC who have responded to the re-closure of schools in January-February 2021 by offering an educational programme for children of all ages on TV, for those that do not have digital access. There are various programmes being run across the North East to increase digital inclusion, aiming to improve digital access and digital skills. For example, Disability North runs a ‘Digital Inclusion Project’ in Gosforth and Friends Action North East (FANE) offer programmes for drop-in access for informal 1-1/group training, support and advice, and help with Internet problems offers a very similar programme for adults of all ages in Newcastle. The Park View Project, based in Shiremoor, offers a similar service, which is primarily targeted at those out of work and those living with disabilities.
  However, very little is known about the extent of digital poverty in North Tyneside, the number of individuals without digital access, the demographic of those without digital access, or their experiences and work arounds to these issues.
  Therefore, this study, led by North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Northumbria University, and Newcastle University, aims to explore and gain a more in-depth understanding of digital poverty across North Tyneside.
  This project sits within the North Tyneside’s Digital Inclusion Strategy which aims to “use technology to improve access, delivery and performance of services across North Tyneside to everyone that lives, works or visits our borough”. North Tyneside is working with the community and voluntary section, and other statutory partners, to develop equitable digital services which ensures that no-one is left behind. This provision includes access to digital equipment, connectivity, and skills to improve quality of life. This research project is being overseen by North Tyneside Future Care Programme Board which is a multiagency Board which brings people together to deliver North Tyneside’s place-based transformation plan. The outcomes of this project will be taken to the Future care programme board and the Health and Well-Being board

• REC name

  London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  21/LO/0720

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Nov 2021

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion