Supporting Digital Equity across Bedfordshire Luton and Milton Keynes

The Supporting Digital Equity programme aims to reduce digital exclusion for families who are accessing maternity and family services in the ICS area. Health Innovation East work will manage and evaluate the programme.

Parts of Luton, Bedford and Milton Keynes experience high levels of economic and health disadvantage – with high rates of unemployment, low income and poorer health outcomes. These sociodemographic factors intersect with digital exclusion, as people from low-income households and those with limited English proficiency are significantly more likely to lack access to digital devices, data connectivity, or the skills engage with digital services (4). The digital exclusion risk index tool (DERI) uses demography, deprivation and broadband measures to assess likelihood of digital exclusion in Lower layer Super Output Areas (LSOA); it indicates significant risk of digital exclusion in 22 LSOA areas across the BLMK footprint.

Participants will be provided with devices, data and signposted to digital skills support – empowering them to access health information and local resources. Helping vulnerable communities get online confidently will not only make booking a healthcare appointments easier and support greater efficiency across NHS services but also mean staying connected with loved ones and support, boosting employment opportunities and accessing better deals online.

We are enthused by this opportunity and the impact it will generate for residents. The programme will report again in April 2026