The UK online centres network was set up by government in 1999 to provide public access to computers.
Since then the role of UK online centres has developed to become more about inspiring people to get online, and supporting them to gain the skills and confidence they need to use the internet and to take advantage of online public services.
We believe technology is key in both social inclusion and community development. Our mission is to get one million more people online by 2013, improving individual lives and strengthening local communities.
Fast facts
- 3,800 partner centres
- UK online centres in 84% of deprived wards
- One-third of our customers have no formal qualifications
- Over 7 in 10 users are socially excluded
- Over 50% receive some state benefit
- Around a quarter earn less than £10k a year
- 50% of users don't own their own home and 23% live in social housing
- 25% are responsible for children
- One-third of users consider themselves to have a disability or mental health issues
- 29% are unemployed and 33% are retired.
- One-quarter of centre users are from non-British ethnic backgrounds
- 90% of visitors access online government services in a UK online centre
- 60% of customers progress to take up further education, Information, Advice and Guidance opportunities, volunteering placements or employment
- 96% of people who use the centres rate the service as good to excellent
