Improving health outcomes by bridging the digital divide

 

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The Good Things Foundation

We were delighted to work with the Good Things Foundation recently to distribute smartphones to some of Haringey’s most vulnerable residents. It’s part of our ongoing digital inclusion work which helps Haringey residents to connect to local health services via their mobile phones, laptops or computers.

Our service provides training and support to ensure that people can access services that have routinely moved online in recent years. This includes things like booking appointments, ordering repeat prescriptions, using the NHS app or finding local health services.

Sessions are held, free of charge, at local libraries and community centres across the borough.  Haringey residents can sign up via our website.

But data shows that many residents with the most complex needs are digitally excluded.  This means they have poorer access to the services they need to improve outcomes, including health care.

In November 2024, thanks to the Good Things Foundation, we were able to provide devices, SIM cards with free data and calls to low-income residents who lacked connectivity but needed to use online health services.

Fifty residents were supported and judging from the feedback the gifted devices have already started to make a meaningful difference, helping these residents overcome the digital divide.

  • “This will allow me to manage my health condition”
  • “My old phone was on an oxygen tank and not able to afford another”
  • “I will be able to contact my sister for Christmas”
  • “I have never had a smartphone before but need to start managing things for myself”

More information about our digital inclusion service

About the Good Things Foundation

Published: Feb 4, 2025