Overview

Waltham Forest Adult Skills Centre CIC (WFASC CIC) is a community focused organisation based in London, dedicated to improving digital inclusion, adult learning, and wellbeing. This case study explores how WFASC CIC’s digital inclusion programmes strengthen community resilience, particularly for vulnerable adults facing social, economic, and technological barriers.

Context

Digital exclusion remains a major challenge in many UK communities. Individuals without digital skills or access to online services face:

• Barriers to employment
• Difficulty accessing public services
• Increased isolation
• Reduced ability to respond to emergencies or disruptions

WFASC CIC works with adults who are unemployed, socially isolated, digitally excluded, or experiencing multiple disadvantages. The organisation provides structured digital skills training, wellbeing support, and community engagement activities.

The Challenge

Many residents in Waltham Forest struggle with:

• Limited digital literacy
• No access to devices or connectivity
• Low confidence using online tools
• Difficulty navigating government, health, and financial services
• Increased vulnerability during crises (e.g., pandemics, economic shocks)

These challenges reduce community resilience and widen inequality.

WFASC CIC’s Approach

WFASC CIC delivers a practical, community based digital inclusion model built on four pillars:

1. Accessible Digital Skills Training

Free or low cost digital skills sessions covering:.

• Basic computer use
• Online safety
• Email and communication
• Accessing government services
• Job search and applications
• Using smartphones and tablets

Training is delivered in small groups to ensure personalised support.

2. Confidence Building and Wellbeing Support

Digital exclusion is often linked to:

• Anxiety
• Low confidence
• Social isolation

WFASC CIC integrates wellbeing techniques, peer support, and confidence building activities into its digital learning sessions.

3. Community Engagement and Social Connection

Participants are encouraged to:

• Join community groups
• Engage in volunteering
• Build social networks
• Share skills with others

This strengthens community cohesion and mutual support.

4. Pathways to Employment and Lifelong Learning

WFASC CIC helps learners:

• Build CVs
• Apply for jobs
• Access further training
• Connect with local employers

This improves economic resilience.

Impact

WFASC CIC’s digital inclusion work has produced measurable community benefits:

• Increased digital confidence: Participants report improved ability to use devices, access services, and communicate online.
• Improved access to essential services: Learners can now manage Universal Credit, NHS services, council applications, and financial tools independently.
• Reduced isolation: Community activities help participants build relationships and reduce loneliness.
• Better employment outcomes: Many learners progress into training, volunteering, or paid work.
• Stronger community resilience: Digital skills enable individuals to respond more effectively to disruptions, emergencies, and changing social conditions.

Case Example

A group of digitally excluded adults joined WFASC CIC’s introductory digital skills programme. Within weeks, participants were able to:

• Use email confidently
• Access online health services
• Apply for jobs
• Communicate with family
• Navigate government portals
• Participate in online community events

Several participants later joined advanced digital courses and community volunteering roles, demonstrating sustained resilience and empowerment.

Why Digital Inclusion Builds Resilience

Digital inclusion is a foundation for community resilience because it enables:

• Access to timely information
• Participation in civic life
• Connection during emergencies
• Economic stability
• Social cohesion
• Reduced vulnerability

WFASC CIC’s work shows that digital inclusion is not only a skills issue — it is a community resilience strategy.

Conclusion

WFASC CIC’s digital inclusion model demonstrates how targeted, community based interventions can strengthen resilience, reduce inequality, and empower vulnerable adults. By combining digital skills, wellbeing support, and community engagement, WFASC CIC provides a pathway to long term independence and social participation.

Digital inclusion is essential for resilient communities. WFASC CIC remains committed to expanding this work and supporting residents across Waltham Forest and beyond.