Digital Exclusion: When Being Offline Means Being Locked Out of Help
Digital Exclusion in the UK: When Being Offline Means Being Locked Out of Help Digital exclusion in the UK is often spoken about as a “skills issue” or a “technology gap.” But for people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping, it’s far more urgent — and far more dangerous. Research from Groundswell shows that people experiencing homelessness face multiple barriers to getting online, This is the quiet crisis we don’t talk about enough.
Why connection is now a matter of survival
A working phone and a bit of data can be the difference between:
• Applying for Universal Credit, which is now digital first.
• Booking a GP appointment or accessing repeat prescriptions.
• Contacting a housing officer or checking on a hostel bed.
• Reaching support workers or emergency services.
• Managing finances, benefits, and essential documents online.
Good Things Foundation highlights a clear link between deep poverty and digital exclusion, noting that people unable to afford data or devices are effectively blocked from routes out of hardship
For rough sleepers, this isn’t an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to safety, stability, and survival.
What digital exclusion looks like on the streets
Groundswell’s interviews with people experiencing homelessness reveal the same pattern again and again:
digital exclusion cuts people off from the very systems designed to help them.
• Losing a Universal Credit claim because you couldn’t log in
• Missing a housing appointment because the email never reached you
• Walking miles to find a library computer — only to discover the session is fully booked
• Being unable to call for help in a crisis
• Feeling constant stress because you have no control over communication, appointments, or support
A London digital inclusion hub puts it plainly:
as more services move online, digital exclusion becomes “even more problematic” for people experiencing homelessness .
The cost of staying disconnected
Digital exclusion deepens poverty, delays support, and traps people in cycles they’re trying desperately to escape.
The evidence is clear:
• Homeless individuals face multiple barriers to digital access Groundswell +1
• Essential services like healthcare and Universal Credit are now digital first.
• Breaking digital barriers can be life changing, as shown by projects distributing devices to homeless people across the UK
You cannot rebuild your life if you cannot get online.
A connected future is a fairer future
Digital inclusion isn’t about gadgets.
It’s about access.
It’s about safety.
It’s about giving people the ability to reach out — and be reached.
If we want a kinder, more resilient society, we must ensure that no one — especially those sleeping rough — is left offline, unheard, and out of reach
How slashdotcom Is Tackling Digital Exclusion in 2026
In 2026, slashdotcom is doubling down on one of the most important challenges of our time: digital exclusion. As a remote‑first consultancy, we understand better than most how essential connectivity, confidence, and access to devices have become for everyday life. From job applications to GP appointments, schoolwork to family contact—being digitally connected is no longer optional.
Yet millions across the UK still face barriers. That’s why our new Foundations, Initiatives, and Reach Out programmes for 2026 are designed to ensure no one is left behind.
Signing Up to National Digital Inclusion Initiatives
This year, we’re formally aligning with UK government–backed schemes aimed at supporting underserved and digitally isolated communities. These initiatives enable organisations like ours to play an active role in helping people:
Get connected with affordable or subsidised broadband.
Get access to devices through donation, recycling, and redistribution programmes.
By joining these frameworks, slashdotcom is committing not just to technical expertise, but to meaningful, human‑centred support
A Connected Community Is a Stronger Community
Our 2026 programmes are just the start. As we grow, we’re committed to scaling our impact, building partnerships, and ensuring that connectivity, technology, and opportunity are available to everyone, not just the digitally confident.