Taking on digital exclusion through 'Learn My Way' training.
At Giroscope, we believe in creating better neighbourhoods through real pathways into skills, confidence and opportunity.
Digital exclusion remains a significant issue in the UK, with millions of people still lacking the access, skills or confidence needed to fully participate in an increasingly online society. Recent research shows that around 7.9 million people do not have basic digital skills, while millions more struggle to afford devices or connectivity, and around 1 million people are not online at all.*
Through our Learn My Way sessions, we support people with little or no IT experience. Whether it’s using a smartphone, navigating the internet, or accessing services, this work is about more than technology; it is about feeling confident and building the essential digital skills needed for everyday life.
Meet Chris – Digital Skills Tutor
Chris supports learners in a way that reflects how people actually learn, at their own pace, with patience and encouragement. He works with people who may be starting from scratch, helping them get comfortable with devices, understand how to use the internet safely, and build practical skills they can use straight away. Sessions are shaped around each individual, focusing on what matters most to them. This could be staying in touch with family, managing money online, or searching for work.
“Learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Everyone learns differently, and that’s exactly how I teach.”
What is Learn My Way?
Learn My Way is a free online learning platform developed by the Good Things Foundation. It helps people build the skills needed to use the internet confidently and safely in everyday life.
At Giroscope, we don’t just point people to the platform; we bring it to life through hands-on support. Learners can work through topics like communication, online safety, banking, and accessing services, while having someone alongside them to guide, explain and build confidence step by step.
Real Impact: Faisa’s Story
Faisa recently completed the Learn My Way programme with support from Chris, and her experience shows the real difference these sessions can make.
Her story is a simple but powerful example of how digital skills can make everyday life easier, more connected and more independent.
It was good, I enjoyed everything. I have learned to communicate online using a microphone and headphones. I learned about online banking, and now I have online banking on my phone. I learned about online shopping. This has made my life easier.
Why this matters
More and more of everyday life happens online, from staying in touch with family to managing money, finding work or accessing services. But for many people, it’s not about being “left behind”; it’s about having the right support, at the right time, to feel confident using these tools.
At Giroscope, we see digital skills as part of a bigger picture. When people grow in confidence, try new things and build practical skills, it opens up new possibilities in everyday life.
We don’t separate housing, skills and community; they’re all connected. Through this work, people gain not just digital skills, but a sense of independence, connection and control.
It’s a simple idea: when people are supported to learn in a way that works for them, they’re able to move forward on their own terms, building stability and shaping their own future.
When and where?
Learn My Way sessions run on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, either as one-to-one support at our Selby Street Yard workshop or in small groups at 46 Community Space, on Wellsted Street.
Get involved
If you’d like to improve your digital skills, or know someone who would benefit, get in touch.
Email:
Call us: 01482 576 374
Take the first step. We’ll support you from there.
This article draws on recent research and data from:
Good Things Foundation – Digital Inclusion Datasets (2024) and Digital Nation
UK Government – Digital Inclusion Action Plan (2025) and related updates
Digital Poverty Alliance – UK digital exclusion insights and analysis
