Bath Digital Divide Collective

The Bath Digital Divide Collective is a vibrant community working to tackle digital poverty in Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES).  Convened by Bath Bridge and Tech4Good South West, we bring together local organisations, public services, and community groups to create long-term solutions that promote digital inclusion and reduce inequality.

Why it exists

Our Mission

We exist to connect, convene, and collaborate - creating the conditions for others to lead digital inclusion efforts where they matter most.

We don’t deliver services ourselves; instead, we help the system work better together.

Our vision is a BaNES where:

• No one is digitally excluded.

• Every resident can participate fully in modern life.

• Organisations have the tools and support to address digital poverty effectively.

Despite ranking among the top 20% most affluent areas in the UK and coining the affectionate name “Silicon Gorge”, Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), the reality is more complex. According to  Good Things Foundation research in 2025: 

• Adults earning under £11,500 are twice as likely to lack home broadband

• 16% of Bath food bank users have no internet access at all

• Over half of BaNES residents report poor broadband connectivity

• The cost of living crisis could push 4,000 more residents—including 1,500 children—into absolute poverty

As more and more services move online, these gaps risk leaving thousands of people behind. Digital exclusion isn’t just a tech issue - it’s a social justice issue.

In 2023, we set about getting stakeholders from across the community to band together and apply ourselves to the city-wide challenge of tackling Bath’s digital divide.

We kick-started the Collective at Bath Digital Festival 2023, hosting a hackathon to map out existing solutions and co-create new ones.

Who’s it for

Anyone who wants to help close the digital gap in BaNES is welcome to join the Collective.

• Local residents with lived experience

• Community organisations

• Tech professionals

• Researchers and educators

• Funders and policymakers

If you’ve got skills, energy, or ideas, we want to hear from you! 

Get in touch today: bathdigital.org

What we’ve achieved so far

We’re proud to have support from a wide range of local partners, including: Age UK Bath, Bath & North East Somerset Council, West of England Combined Authority, BCS Digital Divide Steering Group, BCS Bristol & Bath Branch, Mayden, Southside, St Johns Foundation, Twerton & Whiteway Community Network, Quartet Foundation, plus many dedicated individuals and consultants from South West tech projects.

Since launching, the Bath Digital Divide Collective has grown into a cross-sector movement tackling digital exclusion across Bath & North East Somerset. Together, we’ve:

• Delivered 10 digital skills workshops supporting over 50 people to build confidence and skills online.

• Engaged 300–350 residents through community talks, events, and outreach.

• Hosted our first Digital Playground – a family-friendly event where 16 children and 10 adults used creativity and play to learn new digital skills.

• Partnered with local organisations including Bath City Farm, Bath City FC Foundation, Southside Family Project, and Age UK BaNES to reach those most at risk of digital exclusion.

• Been named “Hub of the Month” by Good Things Foundation – recognised among 7,000+ UK hubs for our community-led approach.

Our first Impact Report (2025) shares more stories, data, and reflections from this journey.

The Next Chapter

As we move into our next phase, the Collective is guided by a new Community Leadership Group, chaired by Kate Morton (3SG BaNES), with representatives from community partners including:

Southside Family Project, Age UK BaNES, Little Lost Robot CIC, 3SG BaNES, Community Wellbeing Hub BaNES, Bath City FC Foundation, Twerton & Whiteway Community Network, Keynsham Community Hub, WERN (West of England Rural Network), Share & Repair.

Together, we’re strengthening cross-sector collaboration, growing the movement, and supporting new digital inclusion initiatives led by and for the community.

What We Do

Our work is shaped around four areas of focus that turn ideas into action:

1. Networking & Influence

We connect community leaders, policymakers, and practitioners through regular Collective Gatherings — spaces for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joined-up action across the region.

2. Storytelling

We amplify lived experience through local stories, highlighting the people, partners, and projects driving change.

3. Micro-Experiments

We test small, community-rooted pilots — from digital skills sessions to creative “Digital Playground” workshops — to learn what works on the ground and share insights across the network.

4. Research, Learning & Advocacy

We partner with the University of Bath, BaNES Council, and others to gather evidence, shape policy, and influence investment in digital inclusion