Digital Participation Project

Free digital skills support to help residents get online with confidence

Smartlyte, working in partnership with Lloyds Bank Academy, is delivering free digital skills sessions to support housing association residents who feel digitally excluded or lack confidence using the internet.

By attending a friendly, beginner-level session, eligible residents can receive their own tablet and free mobile data, helping them stay connected to essential services, family, and opportunities.

Devices Gifted

Residents Supported

SIM Cards Donated

Why this project matters

Digital skills gaps remain widespread

Around half of UK adults still do not have the full set of essential digital skills needed for everyday life, according to the Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index. This means millions of people struggle with tasks like booking appointments, managing accounts, or accessing support online.

Millions of people are still offline

Digital exclusion hits housing communities hardest

The Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index consistently highlights that older adults, people on low incomes, and those with health conditions or disabilities are most likely to be digitally excluded – the same groups commonly supported by Housing Associations.

What the project offers

What you will get

● A free digital skills session led by a trained facilitator
● Help using a tablet and the internet
● Support with everyday online services, including the NHS App
● Tips on staying safe online and avoiding scams
● A Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and a Vodafone SIM card with free data for eligible participants

Sessions are designed for beginners and explained step by step, in plain English.

Who the project is for

This project is ideal for residents who:

● Are young adults (18+) and older adults (60+)
● Are on a low income or unemployed
● Have a disability or long-term health condition
● Feel unsure, anxious, or lacking confidence online
● Do not have reliable internet access at home

How it works

How to take part

The Digital Participation Project is delivered in partnership with Housing Associations.

Residents cannot apply directly for this programme.

Here’s how it works:

1. Housing Associations partner with Smartlyte to bring the project to their communities
2. Eligible residents are identified and invited by their Housing Association
3. Residents attend a free group digital skills session (around 2 hours)
4. Friendly trainers provide hands-on support throughout the session
5. If eligible and the full session is attended, residents receive a tablet and SIM card to keep.

This approach helps ensure the programme reaches residents who will benefit most and that support is delivered safely and locally.

Interested in the project?

If you are a Housing Association and would like to bring the Digital Participation Project to your residents, please get in touch using the contact details below. If you are a resident, please speak to your Housing Association to find out if the project is available in your area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Digital Participation Project?

It is a free programme that helps residents build digital confidence through training, access to a tablet, and free mobile data.

Who delivers the sessions?

Sessions are delivered by Smartlyte, in partnership with Lloyds Bank Academy, working with local housing associations.

Do I need any experience with technology?

No. The sessions are designed for beginners and people who feel unsure about getting online.

Is the tablet a loan or a gift?

If you attend the full session and are eligible, the tablet and SIM card are yours to keep.

What happens when the free data ends?

You can choose to add your own data or look for local support if you need help staying online

Register your interest

Sign up for the Digital Participation Project

Please complete the short form below and a member of the Smartlyte team will contact you.