Project Team:
Dr Cristina Costa, Durham University, UK
Dr Michaela Oliver, Durham University, UK
In collaboration with Digital Safety CIC, Born Good, Let’s Connect, Sacriston Youth Project, Auxillia Youth Services, Pact House and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation.
Trusted Connections
Trusted Connections is a community-focused project exploring how digital inclusion can be strengthened through trusted relationships, critical digital literacies, and locally rooted support networks across the North East of England. The project works alongside community organisations to address not only barriers to access, but also the social, cultural, and emotional dimensions of digital exclusion.
The project supports young people, unemployed adults, NEET young people, and older adults through collaborative and inclusive approaches that foster confidence, agency, and meaningful participation in digital life. Through the development of community digital champions, co-produced activities, and creative engagement, Trusted Connections aims to build more equitable and human-centred digital futures.
Grounded in principles of critical digital literacy, the project contributes to wider conversations about digital participation and inclusion by creating opportunities for people and communities to connect, learn, and thrive together.
The project is underpinned by four pillars of digital inclusion:
- Access: Ensuring people have affordable, high-quality devices and inclusive supporting structures that enable full participation in digital life.
- Digital literacies: Supporting foundational and advanced skills for everyday life, work, and social engagement.
- Agency and empowerment: Helping individuals build confidence and trust in digital spaces, enabling them not only to consume but also create and collaborate online.
- Inclusive participation and support: Creating community-based opportunities for connection, learning, and overall wellbeing.
Also see:
Trusted Connections: A community based model for digital inclusion and empowerment
Building an infrastructure of digital opportunity in the North East
Trusted Connections: Digital inclusion in, for and by the North East