Digital Durham

Digital Toolkit
The Basics
How to join the National Digital Inclusion Network and become a data bank

How to join the National Digital Inclusion Network and become a data bank

The National Digital Inclusion Network was founded by the Good Things Foundation who are a charity with one clear mission: to fix the digital divide – for good.

The network is free, it’s easy to get signed up and you’d join thousands of community partners in the UK. If you can provide a welcoming space for your community members, a supportive learning experience and access to the internet, Good Things Foundation would love to hear from you. As a member you will get free access to a range of support and resources including:

  • Access to additional features on Learn My Way
  • A dedicated network specialist
  • Funding opportunities
  • Regular updates from the network team
  • Participation in local and national campaigns
  • Advocacy with a national voice
  • Bespoke data management tools
  • Training, resources, and events

All you need to do is agree to support residents of your local community to improve either their digital skills, employability and/or health & wellbeing, helping them to become more confident.

For more information visit the Good Things Foundation.

Become a data bank

The National Databank provides free SIMs to people in need via Good Things Foundation’s network of local community partners. Think of it like a ‘food bank’ but for internet connectivity data.

Several organisations here in County Durham have partnered with the Good Things Foundation to offer free data SIM cards to low-income households and you can too. SIMs can be activated for six months and vary from 20gb of data to 40gb with free calls and texts included from two of the three providers.

Applications re-open monthly and it’s free to join.

If you’re already a member of Good Things Foundation’s network you can fill in an application form for the National Databank.

You need to be a member to apply for SIM cards so why not sign up now? It takes two minutes, gives you access to a range of support and resources and it’s free. Find out more and register as a member of National Digital Inclusion Network. Once you’re a member you will then need to fill in an application form for the National Databank.

Once your application is successful and you have received your SIMs, you can start to distribute them and help to support people in your local community.

We can help to promote the availability of these using our social media, website, publications, and contacts. Letting a wider audience know you have SIMs available can help to maximise your reach and ensure as many people as possible are supported.

You could also join our Digital Directory which is helping people find local digital support in County Durham.

map displaying locations and a search box with the text "where can I find free sims?"

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