Free digital skills support to help residents get online with confidence.
Smartlyte, working in partnership with Lloyds Bank Academy, delivers free digital skills sessions for housing association residents who feel digitally excluded or lack confidence using the internet.
By attending a friendly, beginner-level session, eligible residents receive their own tablet and free mobile data — helping them stay connected to essential services, family and opportunities.
Our Impact
Check Our Recent Achievements
Devices Gifted
Residents Supported
SIM Cards Donated
Why This Project Matters
Around half of UK adults still don't have the full set of essential digital skills, according to the Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index — and the gap falls hardest on residents in social housing.
A Persistent Skills Gap
Millions Still Offline
Housing Communities Hit Hardest
What the Project Offers
Every session is beginner-level and explained step by step, in plain English — there's no such thing as a silly question.
- A free digital skills session led by a trained facilitator
- Hands-on help getting set up with a tablet and the internet
- Support using the NHS App and other everyday online services
- Guidance on spotting and avoiding online scams
- A Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 and a Vodafone SIM card with free data on completion
Who Can Take Part
The programme is aimed at residents who would benefit most from extra support getting online.
- Adults of any age, with a particular focus on 18+ and 60+ residents
- Residents on a low income or currently unemployed
- People living with a disability or a long-term health condition
- Anyone who feels unsure or lacks confidence going online
- Households without reliable home internet access
How It Works
1. Partnership
A housing association partners with Smartlyte to bring the programme to their residents.
2. Invitation
Eligible residents are identified and invited to take part.
3. Group Session
Residents attend a free, two-hour group session covering the essentials.
4. One-to-One Support
A trainer provides hands-on help so every participant leaves feeling confident.
5. Device Awarded
Participants who complete the session take home a tablet and SIM card.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Digital Participation Project?
- It's a free programme that helps residents build the digital skills and confidence they need to get online, with a device and data provided at the end of the session.
- How is the session delivered?
- In a small group, led by a friendly trainer who explains everything step by step in plain English — no prior experience is needed.
- Do I need any experience with computers or tablets?
- Not at all. The session is designed for complete beginners and moves at a comfortable pace.
- Do I get to keep the device?
- Yes — residents who complete the session keep the tablet and SIM card provided.
- What happens when the free data runs out?
- The team will let you know about options for staying connected once your initial data allowance has been used.
- What do I need to bring to the session?
- Just yourself — no equipment or technology of your own is required to take part.
Register Your Interest
Housing associations can register their interest in bringing the Digital Participation Project to residents.
Fill in your details below and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange a session.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Email us at: hello@smartlyte.co.uk
Delivered by Smartlyte, in partnership with Lloyds Bank Academy.
