Community Connections Online (CCO) – Digital Inclusion Strengthens Social Connectedness

Tuesday 16^th June 2026

The aim of this particular Community Connections Online was to share information about digital inclusion and to encourage networking between residents, volunteers, community groups and local organisations. The session was developed because digital access is closely linked to social connectedness. Being able to use a phone, tablet, computer or the NHS App can help people stay in touch, access local services, join activities, manage appointments and maintain independence

The online format meant the session was available to residents across the whole of the Derbyshire Dales, with additional in-person hub options at Rowsley and Darley Dale to support people who may have been less confident or able to join independently from home.

We heard about local support from the Connex project ‘Tea Talk ‘n’ Tech’, Rural Action Derbyshire and Platform Housing Group, and highlighted that digital support can reduce loneliness by helping people connect with family, friends, services and community groups.

Our speakers also shared information about the support available to access the NHS App, enabling people to manage repeat prescriptions, book appointments and access health services more independently as more NHS services move towards digital access.

Rural Action Derbyshire also shared information about access to digital devices for people who cannot afford them and promoted a grant available to community groups to help them run local digital support activity.

The session led to practical outcomes:

• A new volunteer Digital Champion was identified at Rowsley Village Hall and went on to connect with Connex and Platform Housing Group. Through attending the session, the Rowsley volunteer was also able to make a useful connection with Platform Housing Group to explore housing issues affecting attendees at the community hub.
• Rowsley Village Hall is now exploring becoming a local digital support hub and has offered to host a one-off NHS App help session.
• An IT trainer and local resident who attended was linked with Connex and Platform Housing Group and has shared information about where people can get help, including requesting a future digital support session at an older people’s lunch club in Hathersage.
• Digital devices were brought in for donation to PC Refurb after attendees learned about the scheme. DDCVS ensured devices were passed onto RAD.
• Attendees from community hubs were signposted to relevant contacts, and Derbyshire Children’s Services were linked into the digital support network to explore possible connections with school-based digital inclusion activity.

These outcomes show that a relatively small online information session can create wider community benefit by building local capacity, increasing volunteering, improving access to digital support, and reducing loneliness through stronger community connections.