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). 

We bring together people, organisations, and resources to create long-term solutions that promote digital inclusion and reduce inequality.

Why it exists

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.

The Collective is now being steered by Bath Bridge, in partnership withTech4Good South West.

Together, we’re turning ideas into action, and building a movement that champions community-driven tech projects in the South West.

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

Our mission remains the same: to convene, connect, and enable collaboration that makes digital inclusion a reality for everyone in BaNES.

What’s changing is how we work:

• New Community Leadership Group
  Chaired by Kate Morton (3SG BaNES), bringing together leaders from Age UK BaNES, Southside Family Project, WERN, Twerton & Whiteway Community Network, Bath City FC Foundation, Somer Valley Forum, Share & Repair, Keynsham Community Hub, and others.

• Bi-monthly virtual gatherings
  Open to all partners and community members, replacing our monthly in-person meetings.

• Targeted action workshops & events
  Tackling specific challenges around digital inclusion and amplifying local voices.

• Knowledge Hub
  Sharing stories, insights, policy updates, and practical resources for the wider community.

• Funding support for partners
  Helping frontline organisations secure resources to scale digital inclusion work, rather than competing for the same funds.