Sunderland expands Digital Health Hubs to tackle exclusion and build community capacity

Sunderland City Council is scaling up its award-winning Digital Health Hubs initiative, expanding the network from 23 to 30 locations citywide. Backed by a £169,000 investment from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the expansion is designed to extend access to essential digital support and services for residents at risk of exclusion.

Launched in January 2024, the Digital Health Hubs have become a key pillar of Sunderland’s strategy to address digital inequality, particularly among vulnerable and low-income communities. The additional funding will enable seven new Hubs to open across the city, including in Washington, Hendon and Millfield - areas with limited existing access to IT facilities.

“These Hubs provide vital digital access and support at the heart of our communities,” said Councillor Alison Smith, cabinet member for corporate services and equalities at Sunderland City Council. “Expanding access ensures that no one and nowhere is left behind in our increasingly digital world.”

The initiative continues to be delivered in partnership with Boldyn Networks, Sunderland’s strategic infrastructure partner. Boldyn has supported the council with infrastructure deployment and site readiness, helping equip new locations with the connectivity and equipment needed to support digital learning and service access.

Who benefits and how?

Each Hub offers walk-in digital support, access to online services, and basic IT provision. Residents can receive help with activities ranging from job applications and benefits access to online banking and video calls with family. The programme forms part of Sunderland’s wider Digital Inclusion strategy, which also includes the volunteer-led Tech Mates initiative, pairing residents with local “digital champions”.

Additionally, existing sites such as City Hall have received upgraded digital equipment to improve accessibility and user experience.

Sunderland’s approach offers a practical example of digital inclusion in action. It demonstrates how capital investment can be combined with volunteer-driven delivery and local partnerships to reduce digital inequality - particularly where connectivity and confidence remain low.

The programme aligns with wider government ambitions around levelling up, smart place infrastructure, and community-focused service delivery. It may serve as a replicable model for councils aiming to close the digital divide while building long-term citizen engagement with digital public services.