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News archive Mums meet Minister at Digital Inclusion Reception UK online centre users Helen Bailey, Sherry Syka, Rubi Bagom and Nasima Begum were guest speakers at the Digital Inclusion Reception, which was hosted on behalf of UK online centres by John Robertson MP, Co-chair of the All Party Communications Group.  The Reception examined the impact of digital inclusion today - on individuals, on families, communities, political process, public services, society and the economy. Helen, Nasima, Sherry and Rubi who all attend the Aberfedly UK online centre in East London, spoke about their own experiences of moving from digital exclusion to inclusion, and the effect on their lives, and the lives of the rest of the family. Other speakers included Stephen Timms, Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Lord Dholakia, Patron of the Campaign for Learning and Ian Taylor MP, Vice chair of PITCOM.
The event was attended by MPs, Lords and digital inclusion stakeholders from across the private and third sectors, and saw the launch of a new research report from UK online centres and FreshMinds - Understanding digital inclusion. The report found that a full 75% of people counted as socially excluded are also digitally excluded. That means those who are out of work, in poor health, live in social housing, live alone, or have a low level of qualification are three times more likely to be missing out on the opportunities, choices, savings and services computers and the internet provide. Helen Milner, Managing Director of UK online centres, says: "This report is a comprehensive view of what 'digital divide' actually means in 2007. Technology is opening new doors and new worlds for 61% of the population, connecting them to better paid jobs, instant information, new forms of communication and social interaction, community infrastructures, government services, consumer power and convenience. But for a stable 39%, those benefits remain firmly out of reach. It's time MPs and policy-makers realised digital inclusion isn't a small fish. Digital equity is tied up with social equity, and digital inclusion is a matter that matters - not just for individuals like Helen, Sherry, Rubi and Nasima, but for wider economic and social goals as well" MPs were encouraged to do their part to make Digital Inclusion matter by getting behind a new Get online day, due to take place on Friday 12 October as part of Family Learning Week. The campaign - from UK online centres, Campaign for Learning and Intel - aims to get families online together, and learning how the internet could save them time, money and hassle, and improve everyday family life. Helen Bailey, one of the UK online centre learners speaking at the Reception, says: "I think computers and the internet are a really important resource for families. As parents we need to keep up with our kids, make sure they keep up at school, and keep an eye on them! My girls used to come home from school saying 'mum, I did this on the computer today'. I didn't know what they were talking about! Now I do, and I feel like I understand more about what they're learning and can really help them when they need me to." "The internet has a role to play in everyday family life" adds Helen Milner, "and it can be fun as well as informative! From looking up family tax credits or health information on direct.gov or NHS choices, missing an afternoon of tantrums at the supermarket by shopping online, helping with homework research, booking a bargain family holiday or sharing family pictures and jokes with far flung relatives, the internet can make a real difference to families. We hope MPs will get behind Get online day and encourage families in their areas to get going online!" Ends The Understanding digital inclusion research summary is available to download in the reading room. More Information on Get online day can be found at: www.ukonlinecentres.co.uk/getonlineday For more information about this press release, the research report, or Get online day, please contact Abi Stevens on 0778 666 0689. Notes to editors |
