Digitober Challenge on World Mental Health Day: Greater Manchester, are you up for a challenge to Do Digital Differently today?
At Inclusive Bytes C.I.C., we’re taking today to reflect on the vital connection between hashtagdigitalinclusivity and hashtagmentalwellbeing and posing a challenge to the people of Greater Manchester.
Did you know, as of September 2024:
📊 9% of households (around 2.6 million) struggle to afford mobile services (Ofcom)
📊 16% of adults (8.5 million) lack essential digital skills (CDI)
📊 45% of households with children (3.7 million) fall below the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS)
📊 14% of young people (2 million aged 8-25) lack access to a suitable learning device (DYI)
While many initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide, millions remain disconnected from essential online services. Digital exclusion isn’t just about technology—it impacts well-being, mental health, and access to critical support networks.
We are committed to raising awareness and encouraging action to help bridge this gap. That’s why we’re challenging our great city-region to take part today!
Here are three simple ways to get involved:
💡 Be a Digital Champion: Help someone you know—whether it’s booking GP appointments or accessing mental health resources online. You can make a big difference with a small action.
💡 Empower Someone: One conversation can change everything. Share a digital tool or resource that could support someone.
💡 Signpost Services: Can’t help directly? Point people to charities or services that can. Together, we can connect people to the support they need.
We’d love to hear what tools and initiatives you’ve discovered or used—share how you helped someone for World Mental Health Day and repost to your networks to allow others to get involved.
If you’d like to learn more, check out resources from Good Things Foundation and United Nations, both of which inspired much of our reflection.
