Need help getting access to the internet from home or from your mobile phone?

Cambridgeshire ACRE has partnered with The Good Things Foundation to help people experiencing data poverty access the internet by providing free mobile data, calls and texts. The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks Vodafone, O2 and Three.

If you have no or insufficient internet access at home or away from home due to affordability, and/or are unable to afford your current payments, you may be eligible for help.

You’ll need a mobile phone, 4G tablet or portable WiFi device to access this help. If you’re in a fixed contract with your current provider, we won’t be able to cancel your agreement and you will remain liable for these payments.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household.

One or more of the following must also be true:

• you have no or poor access to the internet at home
• you have no or poor access to the internet away from home
• you can’t afford your existing monthly contract or top-up

If you meet the criteria, complete our National Databank application form and we will be in touch to arrange collection – we cannot post to you. Collection is only possible from one of our Community Hubs or Community Living Rooms. To find your nearest Hub, please visit our Community Hubs listing page.

You can also complete the form on behalf of someone else.

The data is on either O2, Three or Vodafone only.

 

Getting online safely and affordably

We’ve developed three practical factsheets to support our community in getting online safely and affordably:

1. 🛡️ Online safety
   Learn how to protect yourself from scams, create strong passwords, and browse the internet with confidence.
2. 📶 Getting affordable internet at home or on the go
   Discover tips and resources for finding low-cost broadband and mobile data options that suit your needs and budget.
3. 💸 Saving money using the internet
   From comparing prices to accessing discounts and free services, this guide shows you how being online can help you save every day.

These resources are perfect for anyone looking to boost their digital skills or support others in their community. Download the factsheets now and take a step toward safer, smarter and more affordable internet use.

 

Community Hubs offering digital support

A number of the Community Hubs within our Cambridgeshire Community Hubs Network have volunteer digital champions who can support you with developing your digital skills. There are digital champions at the Hubs at Haddenham, March (FACT), Caldecote, Horningsea, Melbourn and Meldreth. To find out the opening days and times for these Hubs, please visit our Hubs listing page.

 

Digital Unite how-to guides

We are proud to partner with charitable organisation Digital Unite, to support local people with digital skills learning to help them keep connected and engage in this ever-increasing digital world.

Below are a range of how-to guides that have been written by subject matter experts at Digital Unite. The guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge. They are completely free to download and use. To access each one, just click on its title.

Computer essentials
It’s easier to get to grips with computers than a lot of people think. Here’s how to get started.

Making and saving money online
These guides will show you some safe and easy ways to make and save money online.

Microsoft Office
Easy-to-follow guides on using Microsoft Office programs (Including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Teams).

Email and WhatsApp
Easy-to-follow guides will show you how to use email and messaging services.

Using the internet
These guides will give you all the tools you need to get online and become a confident internet user.

Internet security
A range of guides to help you understand the basic principles you’ll need to keep safe online.

Smartphones & tablets
Guides covering the basics of choosing and using mobiles and tablet devices.

Health and fitness
The internet is a great tool to help you manage your health and well-being, these guides will help you get started.

Music & audio
Music, audiobooks – you name it, it’s all on the internet and really easy to get hold of and download. Here’s how.

Hobbies & interests
These guides show you just how easy it is to make the most of the many exciting, fun and useful things available online.

TV & video
Use these guides to help you find out how to watch TV programmes, videos and films online.

Social networking & blogs
Social networking allows us to communicate with others and access information as never before. These guides show you how.

Digital photography
There are so many great ways to store, edit and share photos – our guides will show you how.

Remote meetings and support
These guides cover the basics of getting you started with remote working and supporting others remotely.

Government services
​Want to learn how to use some of the most common services from the UK Government, these guides will show you how.

Easy read technology guides
A handy collection of easy read guides to get you started with using technology.

 

Where can I get additional support with getting onto safely and improving my skills?

If you would like some extra help to get online and learn new digital skills, or if you don’t have the broadband connection or equipment of your own to do so, then please come along to one of our Community Hubs and ask for support from one of our volunteer Digital Champions. Please contact our Community Wellbeing Administrator, Kate Jakubowska, in the first instance and she will be able to help. Please phone Kate on 01353 865021.

 

Learn My Way

If you feel confident enough to learn by yourself then you might like to use The Good Things Foundation’s Learn My Way platform, which is a free online platform that helps people gain basic digital skills and build confidence in using the internet.

Click here to access Learn My Way.