7. Closing the digital divide

In January 2021 the UK went back into lockdown and all schools were closed for the foreseeable future. Data showed a massive shortfall in the number of children with digital access at home including up to 9,400 children across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. To tackle this head-on, the Digital Drive campaign was launched.

In this episode we talk to Julie Spence, OBE QPM, Lord-Lieutenant Cambridgeshire, Hazel Belchamber, Assistant Director for Education Capital and Place Planning, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council and Phil Priestley, Cambs Youth Panel about the success of this collaborative action to provide laptops and internet access for children across the county and how Cambridge can continue to unite in addressing inequality.  We also hear from a young volunteer at Cambs Youth Panel, Neil Matthews from North Cambridge Academy who has seen first-hand the positive impact that this campaign has had on students, and Eddie Latham, co-founder of Velocity Commerce about the company’s donation to the campaign.

This podcast series, Cambridge – in pursuit of equality, is brought to you by Conscious Communications. To get in touch, email Alison Taylor on [e-mail]