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<p>We are committed to tackling digital exclusion and the UK Digital Strategy, published
in March 2017, describes the steps we are taking across government, including establishing
the Digital Skills Partnership, which brings together stakeholders from the private,
public and charity sectors to join efforts to help people increase their digital skills
at all levels; introducing fully-funded basic digital skills training for adults lacking
these vital skills from 2020; and using the 3000 libraries across England to provide
a trusted network of accessible locations with trained staff and volunteers, free
Wi-Fi, computers, and other technology as well as Assisted Digital access to a wide
range of digital public services where individuals are unable for whatever reason
to access these services independently.</p><p> </p><p>The Race Disparity Audit showed
us Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities are amongst the most disadvantaged in British
society and we agree that more needs to be done to make sure nobody is excluded or
left behind.</p><p> </p><p>The Government funds the Future Digital Inclusion programme
managed by the Good Things Foundation and delivered through the 3,000 strong Online
Centres network. To date this programme has supported over 800,000 adult learners
to develop their basic digital skills, many of whom are socially excluded.</p><p>
</p><p>The NHS Digital Widening Digital Participation programme, delivered in partnership
with Good Things Foundation, develops projects that enable people in England to improve
their digital health skills and to increase their access to digital services and tools
that support their health and care. Partnership working is at the heart of this programme.
In order to better understand the needs of those with low literacy (including low
health & digital literacy), NHS Digital regularly works with national and local
organisations who know them best and really understand the barriers and challenges
for them with getting online.</p><p> </p><p>The UK Digital Strategy, published in
2017, states that one of the Government's objectives is to 'enable people in every
part of society - irrespective of age, gender, physical ability, ethnicity, health
conditions, or socio-economic status - to access the opportunities of the internet',
and to deliver this, the Government will focus on 'ensuring that we continue to tackle
the root causes of digital exclusion and that everyone can increase their digital
capability to make the most of the digital world.'</p><p> </p>
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