Bridging the Digital Gap for Families In BLMK

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Working with councils and maternity services across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) and funded through a Department of Science, Innovation and Technology grant, we are helping families access the digital tools and support they need to stay connected, informed, and empowered. By building on proven digital inclusion initiatives, we’re tackling digital poverty and ensuring that all families can access trusted health information and local support services.

Who we support

Residents/ patients accessing maternity and family centres in BLMK who do not have access to a device and data will be offered support.

How we help

Our project supports families in four key ways:

  1. Devices – Families can receive devices through our donation and reuse scheme.
  2. Data – Prepaid SIM cards are available to those over 18 who need them, thanks to our partnership with The Good Things Foundation.
  3. Skills – We connect families to local digital skills training to help them confidently use devices and online services.
  4. Language support – Non-English speakers can access Pocketalk, an instant translation tool, to help navigate digital resources.

Accessing services made easier

With digital access, families can:

  • Use the NHS App and local family hub apps
  • Explore early years resources with trusted health information
  • Access educational programmes, local service timetables, and other community support

Get involved

We are looking for smart phones which can be donated, reconditioned and distributed and will shortly be running two device amnesty events. Please check back for further information as our plans develop.

If you are an organisation who would like to donate your devices please contact luke.natali@healthinnovationeast.co.uk

Further details of how the scheme works:

Maternity service users –

Families accessing maternity and perinatal services will be asked if they have access to a device and data and if not, offered a data enabled SIM card and when available a refurbished smartphone device. They will then be signposted to a local family centre/hub where further support can be offered on how to use these.

Family hub/centre users –

Residents accessing family hubs/centres will be asked if they have access to a device and data and if not will be offered a data enabled SIM card and when available a refurbished smartphone device. They will then be offered support on how to use these.

What is Pocketalk?

Pocketalk is designed for conversation, addressing communication needs in healthcare and ensuring seamless interactions in multiple languages. It provides translations across 92+ languages, including localised dialects and slang. Staff working in maternity services and family hubs will have access to one of these devices so they can quickly and easily communicate with any resident who does not speak English as their first language. This will enable them to ask about their access to devices and data, without delay, addressing potential inequalities in access to the scheme.

Our commitment

We’re promoting this programme to local residents as well as NHS and local authority teams to make sure no family is left behind. The project will be independently evaluated to understand its impact and continue improving support for families

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