Six libraries across the region have become digital inclusion hubs with free access to services, thanks to new DSIT funding and a new model of partnership with voluntary sector
A major digital transformation of six libraries across Barking and Dagenham is currently under way, thanks to a grant of £410,215 from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. The new digital inclusion project began in November and will continue until March, with evaluation carried out in April.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev / Unsplash
In the process, the libraries in Barking, Dagenham, Valence, Marks Gate, Chadwell Heath, and Thames View have become ‘digital inclusion hubs’, providing free access to devices, data and digital skills training to residents of all ages.
The project is led by a local charity, the Ekota Academy, which secured the national funding itself, with the endorsement of Barking and Dagenham Council – in a new model of partnership between the voluntary sector and the local authority.
The charity already provides health and well-being programmes for young people and older residents in the borough. Working with the council’s library services, it will now support more than 3,000 residents to get online, access essential services and build confidence in navigating the digital world.
The programme will provide 120 laptops and tablets to each of the six libraries (720 in total), and 1,200 free data SIM packages for eligible residents. There will be 30 trained volunteer ‘Digital Champions’ to offer hands-on help. Each participating library will host drop-in sessions and workshops for skills such as setting up email, applying for jobs online, and accessing NHS and council services.
The aim is to ensure positive impact long after the end of the current funded period. All devices will remain as permanent library loan stock, while all six libraries will continue to be National Databank centres, offering free mobile data to residents in need.
What’s more, the partnership model between the council and Ekota Academy will remain in place, with the hope of supporting future initiatives.
Mizanur R, Chief Executive of Ekota Academy, says: ‘We are extremely proud to have secured this funding for Barking and Dagenham. It demonstrates the power of genuine partnership between the voluntary sector and local government. Libraries are already trusted community hubs, and by turning them into digital centres we’re connecting residents not only to technology, but to opportunity jobs, education, public services, and everyday life. This project brings local strategies to life and sets a blueprint for collaboration that could be adopted nationwide.’
Sultana R, Chair of Ekota Academy, adds: ‘This is a long-term investment in people. We’re building digital confidence, training volunteers, and giving libraries new purpose and energy. This isn’t just a project, it’s a community movement powered by partnership and technology.’
Cllr Saima Ashraf, Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement at Barking and Dagenham Council, says: ‘I am proud the council is partnering with Ekota Academy to unlock almost half a million pounds of government funding to build on our digital inclusion offer through our libraries. Even more residents will now be able access the tools, skills, and support they need to use the internet and digital services – and grow their confidence navigating the online world.’
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