Hyper-Local Digital Support

Through grassroots engagement and community feedback, we’ve identified a growing need for accessible, hyper local digital support. One inspiring example is a group of women over 50 who now meet regularly in a local resident’s dining room.

With guidance from the Navigator, they have become more confident using their mobile phones - from setting up emergency contact features to navigating the NHS App for their healthcare needs. Furthermore, a 93-year-old lady has been set up with her first mobile phone and is able to connect with her family in ways she has not been able to before.

“When you're over 80 it's a lot to take in, it's learning a new skill. So it's just trying to stay patient and remember. I am glad your support exists!” - Vera, 93-year-old, Gotherington Resident

One-to-One Home Visits

Community feedback also highlighted the need for home-based digital support, particularly for vulnerable residents. One such case involved a woman in her 40s who, due to a serious car accident and ongoing health issues, is bedbound and being cared for by her two teenage children. With limited income, the family could not afford a laptop or printer.

Thanks to GRCC's DAISI Project, our Digital Navigator was able to provide essential IT equipment, and offer ongoing support through home visits and training. The family now has mobile access to the internet through DAISI’s databank SIM cards, and is connected to a broadband social tariff to help with internet affordability at home. Mum can now manage online shopping, keep up with school communications for her children, and access vital support services - empowering her to be more independent and engaged in normal daily tasks.

“In a short time it's had a massive impact on us as a family. Especially as we now have a computer and a printer. I know my children are really grateful…” - Shurdington Resident who received support at home

To find out more about the work of our Digital & Technology Navigator for Tewkesbury Borough, please call us on 01452 528491 or email digital@grcc.org.uk

Project News

November 2025:

Ella-May in the news!

Read the article that Ella-May wrote about her work for Tewkesbury Direct magazine.

August 2025:

Gotherington digital support group wins national "Hub of the Month" prize

The digital drop-in group at Gotherington Old Chapel which we support has been awarded the "Hub of the Month" prize for August 2025 by the National Digital Inclusion Network.

The group wins a £100 Currys voucher and national recognition!

Read more on the Good Things Foundation's website.

January 2026: Ella-May in local news publications

Ella-May recorded an item about her role and the support she can offer for the Cotswold Listener talking newspaper - you can listen to the item here (mp3 file). You can also read Ella-May's latest contribution to the Tewkesbury Direct magazine, about scammers' psychological tricks, good passwords, and the importance of software updates.

February 2026: Thank you Mythe Medical Practice!

Between October and December, Mythe Medical Practice in Tewkesbury collected an extraordinary volume of tech-device donations for DAISI Digital Device Bank: 97 mobile phones, 24 laptops, 16 desktops, 15 monitors, 29 mice, 17 keyboards, over 100 cables of various types, alongside printers, routers and other digital equipment. Once recorded and assessed, this equates to an estimated £12,500 worth of equipment that can be refurbished, refreshed, or responsibly recycled to provide sustainable digital support across the local area.

"These donations translate directly into real-world impact," said Ella-May Wallace, our Digital & Technology Navigator for Tewkesbury Borough. "For example, we supported a family in December living in the borough below the poverty line with two children and no digital devices at all, leaving them completely cut off from essential services such as Universal Credit. Using Mythe-donated equipment, we were able to provide both adults with mobile phones and a laptop for the household, enabling them to access Universal Credit in time for Christmas. At the point of referral, the family had just £4 to last the entire month of December. Access to technology allowed them not only to secure vital financial support, but also to begin job searching and rebuilding stability."