Celebrating digital inclusion across the UK at the ISPA Awards 2025

21/11/2025 First published November 2025

We partnered with ISPA UK for the annual ISPA Awards to celebrate community organisations demonstrating best practice for digital inclusion support.

November saw Good Things Foundation partner with ISPA UK for the annual ISPA Awards 2025 and celebrate digital inclusion initiatives within communities all around the UK.

The Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA) is the UK's trade association for providers of internet services. Promoting collaboration between its members and the wider internet community, ISPA is an all important driving force for the industry and is a strong advocate for digital inclusion.

Through the awards ISPA has kindly enabled Good Things Foundation to partner with them in a focused effort to celebrate digital inclusion champions. Together, we shine a spotlight on remarkable achievements across the internet service industry, charities, and communities through two crucial award categories.

Community based organisations are the lifeblood of the National Digital Inclusion Network, bringing digital inclusion support to people in the places they know and trust. We are delighted to showcase the five network partners whose exceptional impact earned them a shortlist for the Digital Inclusion Champion ‘Charities and Communities’ category.

Digital Inclusion Champion, Charities and Communities shortlist

Frome Medical Practice

Frome Medical Practice in Somerset launched a community initiative to combat digital exclusion, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income households, aiming to increase digital confidence and access to vital online healthcare. Over a two-year period, more than 4,400 patients received digital support, and over 1,475 patients used the online portals available to receive support for themselves or someone else (proxy). 

This support has resulted in a 71% NHS App uptake among Frome Medical Practice patients, significantly above regional/national averages. The increased online engagement translates into an 80% rise in primary care appointments and a 69% increase in repeat prescriptions booked via the App.

Aside from the impressive numbers the impact is deeply personal and community focused. A face-to-face learner said:

“Thank you to you and the Frome Medical Practice. It’s helped me become more confident… this will help me live independently without relying on others so much.”

The program offers holistic, judgement-free support focused on practical help with NHS online services and reducing digital fear. Frome Medical Practice works with partners like Donate IT and Good Things Foundation to supply free devices and data, fostering confidence as well as competence. The program has been met with positive patient feedback and plans are in place to expand support into local care homes and through engagement with the town council.

Wavemaker Stoke CIC

Wavemaker Stoke CIC in Staffordshire is a community-rooted organisation dedicated to tackling digital exclusion by bridging the gap between technology and people, advancing digital equality across life, health, and employment. Their flagship DigitAll programme has spent the last year implementing a comprehensive, holistic model that includes essential device distribution, connectivity support, and free, tailored digital training delivered through Wavemaker Connect Hubs and key partnerships.

A representative from Stoke on Trent City Council said:

“Not only do Wavemaker deliver fun, creative, and engaging digital sessions, but what really shines through is how wonderfully inclusive they are. Every single participant leaves with a smile and lovely things to say.”

Some of the ways they have innovated are through launching a Digital Champion programme and offering flexible delivery options like offline learning packs. Key achievements include establishing 12 Wavemaker Connect Hubs, training 37 Digital Champions, providing 314 Chromebooks to jobseekers, engaging over 2,000 people in digital training, and involving 2,184 school pupils in future skills workshops. The programme also launched a DigitAll Health pilot and delivered 841 targeted employment interventions.

A DigitAll participant said:

“I’ve updated my CV, joined Zooms, searched for jobs. I now feel ready to apply for roles. I wouldn’t be where I am without access to the digital world. Your help is greatly appreciated.”

The impact is significant, with 73% of participants reporting improved digital confidence and 68% feeling more connected, demonstrating that Wavemaker is building lasting skills, confidence, and community infrastructure.

BizEd Projects CIC

BizEd Projects CIC in Shropshire aims to bridge the digital divide by empowering the community with digital skills and confidence. Their two weekly drop-in sessions have supported over 124 community members, offering a friendly space to learn essential skills like online banking and video calls, with devices and data provided by Good Things Foundation.

The drop-in’s have delivered significant improvements in digital literacy, social inclusion, and a reduction in isolation. BizEd Projects CIC primarily support those most at risk of exclusion, such as residents over 65, individuals on benefits, carers, and those facing disabilities, but they also run a dynamic digital skills club for 14-19 year-olds focusing on practical skills, social connection, and reducing isolation, including opportunities to meet local employers.

Feedback from attendees is insightful, for example one attendee commented:

“You wouldn’t think I would share so much in common with someone so young, but I do-and I can teach them about life and they can teach me this computer stuff-it’s brilliant really” another shared “We find it useful to come here and get some help, when we’re home we’re scared we might press a button and we’ll break it.”

Future plans include an expanded reach with a new, more accessible location for drop-in sessions and The Care Home Program, an eight-week initiative to bring vital digital skills directly to local care homes and assisted living communities.

Poplar HARCA

Poplar HARCA is a housing and regeneration association in east London, dedicated to helping local people and neighbourhoods thrive. As part of that mission, The Hive – Poplar HARCA’s employment and training service – offers a welcoming space where residents can build skills, gain confidence, and take positive steps towards digital inclusion.

Located in Chrisp Street Market, the heart of Poplar’s community, The Hive provides one-to-one employment support and free, accredited training. It tackles digital poverty, isolation, and unemployment – challenges that affect everyday life for many in one of London’s most deprived areas. Their aim is simple: turn digital access into digital confidence and help people overcome barriers to work and learning.

In the past 12 months, dedicated staff and digital champions have supported 139 local people through training, workshops, and access to essential tools. Thanks to their support, 95% of participants now feel confident using the internet independently – a life-changing step for many.

Learners have shared inspiring stories:

“Before, I was afraid to touch my phone for banking. Now I can pay bills and book bus trips.” and “Learning how to turn off location tracking and block my ex has given me peace of mind.”

Families and disabled residents have also benefitted from laptops and accessibility tools:

“For the first time, I can read the news online on my own. I feel part of the world again.”

Through tailored support and the right digital tools, The Hive is bridging the digital divide and empowering local people to reach their full potential.

Diversity Bridge SCIO

Diversity Bridge SCIO is an Aberdeen-based charity tackling the digital divide by empowering vulnerable groups, including refugees and asylum seekers, with digital skills and access. The project’s aims are centered on two pillars: providing immediate access to connectivity and equipping individuals with sustainable digital literacy skills.

The overarching deliverable is transforming lives through technology, enabling better participation in work, education, health services, and community life. Their key achievement, in partnership with the National Databank, is the distribution of up to 1,150 SIM cards, complemented by over 500 hours of personalised coaching and workshops.

The impact is significant, with 95% of participants reporting increased confidence and 87% successfully accessing essential online services, creating measurable improvements for over 1,150 individuals. Beyond the numbers, the transformation is deeply personal.

As one refugee beneficiary shared:

“Before I got the SIM card and attended the workshop, I couldn’t even check my emails. Now I feel connected and in control of my life.”

Another participant, a local parent, noted:

“The digital skills coaching helped me support my children with homework and apply for jobs online. It’s life-changing.”

By addressing both the need for connectivity and the need for skills, Diversity Bridge SCIO is not just handing out SIM cards -they are building a more inclusive, connected, and resilient community.

And the winner is...

Two representatives from Frome Medical Practice with Good Things Foundation CEO Helen Milner OBE.

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A group of three people standing on stage at the ISPA Awards 2025. To the left is Good Things Foundation CEO Helen Milner OBE, wearing a short sleeved fringed sparkly dress, black shoes with a gold buckle and black glasses. In the middle and to the right are two representatives from Frome Medical Practice. The person in the middle is holding the award and is wearing a velvet dress with knee high flat boots. The person to the right is wearing a three piece dark blue suit with a floral pattern on it, a bow tie, a white shirt and shiny black shoes. All three are smiling towards the camera. In the stage are several lights creating a dazzling effect on the purple and blue background.

Frome Medical Practice were the worthy winners on the evening and presented with their award by Helen Milner OBE, Chief Executive Officer, Good Things Foundation.

Karen Creffield, Practice Manager and Gareth Hannam, Digital Transformation Lead collected the award on behalf of Frome Medical Practice. Gareth said:

“Winning this award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the strength of our community partnerships. We remain committed to removing barriers so everyone can confidently access healthcare online.”

Of the ‘Charities and Communities’ entries, Helen commented,

“The exceptional volume and calibre of applications for the Charities and Communities Digital Inclusion Award underscored the vital digital inclusion work happening across the UK. It also highlighted how digital inclusion is being ‘baked in’ across a diverse range of initiatives. The chosen finalists thoughtfully presented impactful projects that tackle both digital access and skills, and we were happy to celebrate their achievements at the ISPA awards ceremony.”

Digital Inclusion Champion (Industry) shortlist

We would also like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Industry shortlist and winner, who collectively proved that industry can also play a vital role in baking digital inclusion into their day to day business operations.

Three people with Good Things Foundation CEO Helen Milner OBE.

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A group of four people standing on stage at the ISPA Awards 2025. From left to right - Good Things Foundation CEO Helen Milner OBE, wearing a short sleeved fringed sparkly dress, black shoes with a gold buckle and black glasses. The next person is wearing a dress with floral netting detail at the top and leopard print heeled shoes. The third person is holding the award and wearing a two piece suit, a bow tie, a white shirt and black shoes. The person to the right is wearing a long sleeved velvet dress and black heeled shoes with a sparkly strap. All four are smiling towards the camera. In the stage are several lights creating a dazzling effect on the purple and blue background.

Quickline Communications (Winner)