People who can’t get online are being left behind

From 20–26 October, Get Online Week - Good Things Foundation’s annual campaign helping people across the UK unlock the benefits of being online – is back.

Since 2007, Get Online Week has helped tens of thousands of people take their first digital steps. This year’s goal is the same as ever: to help more people cross the digital divide and enjoy the benefits of being connected.

Why being online matters

In 2025, being online isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. From managing finances and making GP appointments to applying for jobs and staying in touch with loved ones, so much of modern life happens online.

But not everyone finds it easy to get or stay connected. According to Lloyds, around 1.6 million people in the UK are currently offline. And about a quarter of adults have really limited digital skills, meaning they struggle with things like online banking or filling in forms.

That lack of access can have a big impact. People who aren’t online are more likely to:

• miss out on support for health conditions
• struggle to find work
• pay more for everyday essentials

With more and more services moving online, closing that digital gap is becoming more important than ever.

How Good Things Foundation is making a difference

Good Things Foundation is the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity. Their mission is simple - to help everyone become digitally savvy and safe, so they can live happier, healthier, better-off lives.

They do this in lots of ways, from supporting local digital inclusion hubs to running initiatives like:

• The National Databank – think of it like a food bank, but for data! It provides free mobile SIM cards and data to people who can’t afford an internet connection.
• The National Device Bank – which collects and refurbishes donated devices, giving them to people who need them most.

Together, these projects help people who can’t afford to get online or who don’t yet have the confidence or skills to do it safely.

Our partnership with Good Things Foundation

We’ve been spreading the word to our customers about Good Things Foundation, and last year, we made our first donation to the National Device Bank to help even more people get connected.

What’s holding people back?

While many people say they’d prefer to access services online, 40% tell us something’s stopping them. The main barriers include:

• 23% – health or disability difficulties
• 20% – not feeling confident with technology
• 10% – the cost of internet access (whether mobile data or broadband)

No one should have to miss out because they can’t afford data, don’t have a device or aren’t sure how to get started.

Bridging the gap

Digital inclusion isn’t just about technology - it’s about connection, opportunity and confidence.

This Get Online Week, we’re proud to stand with Good Things Foundation to help more people reap the benefits of the World Wide Web.

If you need help getting online, find out what support is available in your local area on the Good Things Foundation website.