Digital Durham

We have worked with Building Digital UK (BDUK) to lead on three contracts to get superfast broadband to 64,000 properties in County Durham and 114,000 in total across the North East.

Our current activities include:

• supporting the rollout of a gigabit-capable broadband network under the government's Project Gigabit, which focuses on getting access to harder-to-reach properties - see Digital Durham: Project Gigabit
• working with broadband providers to encourage commercial investment and increase access to fast, resilient networks in County Durham
• providing information on the available broadband options to people still affected by poor speeds
• raising awareness of projects, initiatives and funding that can help tackle digital exclusion
• supporting residents, businesses and communities to get the most out of being online

New course helping you get online

We have partnered with DurhamLearn and The Bread and Butter Thing to set up a project to help up to 600 residents get online thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF).

The course is delivered face-to-face over four 1.5 hour sessions. It aims to help increase your confidence to do things online. You'll learn how to use a tablet, how to access online services (including our own, banking and NHS) and most importantly how to do it all safely.

Anyone successfully completing the free digital skills course, will be gifted the tablet device, protective case with built in keyboard, and a data loaded SIM card (donated by Good Things Foundation) that will provide you with broadband access.

Courses start from 12 May 2025 at:

• Annfield Plain Community Centre
• Blackhall Community Centre
• Bowburn Community Centre
• Bullion Hall, Chester-le-Street
• Dawdon Community Centre
• Eastlea Community Centre
• Eden Hill, Peterlee
• Ferryhill LADDER Centre
• Focus Easington - The Welcome Centre
• Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon
• Junction 7, Newton Aycliffe
• Pelaw View, Sherburn Road
• Shildon Alive

Places are limited and subject to eligibility.

Register your interest online for DurhamLearn: free digital skills course or Contact Durham Learn. You can also Contact Digital Durham for more information.

Find out more about Digital Durham

• Digital Durham website
• Digital Durham on Facebook
• Digital Durham on X
• Contact Digital Durham for support