A new scheme is being launched across Cambridgeshire to help more people get online by enabling trusted local venues such as village halls, community centres, and church halls, to become ‘Digital Hubs’.

This new initiative aims to tackle digital exclusion by offering access to free public WiFi, digital devices, and support with building essential digital skills and confidence to residents, right on their doorstep.

Led by Connecting Cambridgeshire, the scheme will provide small grants to community organisations to enhance their spaces with digital infrastructure and become local access points for digital inclusion support.

This competitive element of the scheme aims to build upon the success experienced in Peterborough through providing grants to established community groups and organisations nominated by partner organisation Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service, and a range of local stakeholders.

The Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, which delivers the Combined Authority’s Digital Connectivity Strategy, is led by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and hosted by Cambridgeshire County Council. It plays a key role in tackling digital exclusion, improving mobile and broadband connectivity, and supporting innovation across the region.

In an effort to ensure fairness, grants are being ringfenced to enable up to 6 Digital Hubs per district across Cambridgeshire, and up to 12 in Peterborough.

For many residents, particularly those in rural areas, getting online isn’t just about learning how to use a laptop or smartphone. It’s also about having somewhere nearby with internet access, a device to use, and someone to guide them. Without these basics, people can miss out on vital services, job opportunities, savings on household bills, and even healthcare and housing support.

Championing the scheme, Paul Bristow, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, said:

“Improving connectivity is a key part of my work to get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving. Good internet access is now as essential as any other utility; it’s how people apply for jobs, use health services, learn new skills or connect with others. The Combined Authority is working in partnership with Connecting Cambridgeshire to bring that access to places and communities where it is most needed. By turning trusted places like village halls and community centres into local digital hubs, more people will be helped to get online – close to home, and with real support.

“With Combined Authority funding we’re helping Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to be happier, healthier and wealthier.” 

Welcoming the launch of the competitive element of the scheme for Cambridgeshire applicants, Cllr Ros Hathorn, Chair of the Environment and Green Investment Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:

“Local community spaces are the beating hearts of our communities and are already well used for a number of activities, offering support and access to services, as well as being a meeting place for neighbours, friends, and families to come together.

“Especially in rural areas that don’t have access to venues like libraries, or don’t have a typical high street, these communities also need somewhere they can access digital inclusion support locally without needing to travel far or spend money. These Hubs won’t just help people build digital skills, they’ll also offer a vital connection point for people on lower incomes to job hunt, manage their finances, or simply stay in touch with friends and family.

“This scheme will help to empower local groups and organisations through the provision of small grants to create that access and lay the digital foundations for even more activities to bring the community together.’

Connecting Cambridgeshire’s Digital Hubs scheme aims to:

• Provide access to reliable internet and digital devices in local community spaces
• Support residents in engaging with online services, from job applications to council services
• Train staff and volunteers as Digital Champions, offering skills and confidence support
• Enable venues to build on their digital foundation and offer wider activities like online exercise classes, film nights, or coding clubs

A small pilot phase has already been completed to assess demand, test, and shape the scheme. Now, community organisations in Cambridgeshire are encouraged to visit the new Digital Hubs webpage, check the eligibility criteria, and submit their application.

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Want to become a Digital Hub?

If you manage a local community space and want to become a Digital Hub, visit our Digital Hubs page to learn more and apply, or email us on contact@connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk with any queries or questions.