Preston Digital Cooperative

While it sometimes feels like the world is awash with smartphones and computers, our findings are that there are significant sections of the population in Preston who are facing difficulties accessing decent devices, again for a range of reasons – not always simply about cost.

Equally when it comes to skills and the confidence to use digital tools, we found some impressive work going on across a wide range of organisations to enable people to get things done. Clearly more needs to be done, however, and everywhere the story seems to be the same – that demand is growing and there are still many barriers to overcome.

This is the background to setting up a new, community-based, mutual organisation, Preston Digital Cooperative, to tackle these challenges and provide new ways for everyone to access digital connectivity and services.