BT Group brings generations together in Preston to help bridge the digital divide

BT Group has hosted a multi-generational digital skills day in Preston, bringing together students, teachers and older residents for hands-on learning aimed at boosting confidence and tackling digital exclusion. The event comes as new research from BT shows 86% of over 65s want simple, clear guidance to help them understand what’s genuine online.

Held on 12 March at Deepdale Football Stadium, the event brought together students aged 11–14 and adults aged 55+ for practical digital learning sessions. Students explored digital skills and future careers, with a particular focus on STEM, while older learners received training to build digital confidence, including online safety and everyday digital tasks. Fifteen students also developed their confidence and communication skills by staying on to support the older learners, answering questions and sharing practical tips.

Delivered in partnership with digital inclusion charity AbilityNet, We. Communications and STEM Learning, supported by representatives from BT Group, Openreach and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology the day combined BT Group’s Work Ready programme and digital inclusion training.

Richard Marsh, BT Group’s Responsible Business Director, said:

“At BT, we’re focused on giving people the confidence and skills they need to safely thrive in today’s hyper-connected world. In Preston we saw the power of bringing generations together - learning from each other while tackling digital exclusion in a practical, human way.

“From spotting scam messages and navigating everyday online services to understanding how digital and STEM skills link to future careers, people left with skills they can use straight away. Empowering people online is what being the UK’s most trusted connector looks like in action.”

Sir Mark Hendrick, Labour MP for Preston, said:

“I’m delighted that BT Group has chosen to come to Deepdale to deliver this community event.

“Bringing different generations together, whether that be through the STEM partnerships with local schools, employability support for young people aged 11-14 or building digital confidence in people aged over 55, this will all help to ensure that no one is left behind in the current digital landscape.

“This is a great example of how improved digital connectivity can support local priorities in Preston and bring social and economic benefits to the area.”

Sarah Brain, AbilityNet’s Head of Free Services, added:

“Older people are at a greater risk of digital exclusion, which can lead to isolation and difficulty accessing essential services. Events like this help break down those barriers, while also showing young people the positive impact digital skills can have across communities.”

The Preston event is part of BT Group’s purpose to Connect for Good and its wider commitment to digital inclusion – helping tackle the digital divide and supporting communities across the UK to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. These sessions also form part of BT Group’s support for communities benefitting from the rollout of new gigabit-capable broadband delivered by Openreach as part of Project Gigabit, the government’s programme to bring fast, reliable broadband to hard-to-reach areas.

• The event brought together 45 students, teachers, adults aged 55+, and volunteers from BT Group, Openreach and BDUK.
  
  
• BT Group works with partners including AbilityNet, We. Communications and STEM Learning to support digital skills development across generations.
  
  
• BT Group’s Work Ready programme is helping to close the gap between young people’s digital abilities and the skills employers are looking for, supporting them as they make pivotal decisions on their future subjects. Alongside educators, the programme actively seeks to help 11–14-year-olds develop the practical, technical and human-centric skills that a digital career demands.
  
  

About AbilityNet

UK charity AbilityNet has more than 25 years of experience of empowering disabled people through technology at home, at work and in education. In its mission to create a “digital world accessible to all,” it works with individuals, charities, and community groups to champion inclusive digital design, and its experienced consultants enable the private and public sectors to deliver accessible websites, services, and apps. The Charity’s Patron is Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. www.abilitynet.org.uk

AbilityNet offers free IT support at home and online to older people and disabled people via its nationwide network of 500+ AbilityNet Tech Volunteers. To access the free service, call the helpline on 0300 180 0028 during UK office hours, email to enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or visit: www.abilitynet.org.uk/ BTDigitalSkillsPreston