Bridging the Digital Divide with Sovereign Network Group

Empowering residents through access, confidence, and connection

The Challenge

Digital exclusion affects 6.9 million people in the UK, limiting access to essential services, education, employment, and social connectivity. For many residents in social housing, barriers to digital access remain high - from a lack of devices to low confidence with technology. Sovereign Network Group (SNG), a long-standing SPG client managing over 62,000 homes across the country, identified a pressing need to improve digital inclusion for their residents, particularly older customers and those most at risk of isolation or digital disadvantage.

Our Approach

As part of our commitment to driving positive social impact alongside technological transformation, SPG made a significant donation to SNG to directly support digital inclusion initiatives. The funding was used to provide free laptops to residents and community groups, alongside the launch of the “Tea & Technology” programme - a series of informal, supportive training sessions designed to help residents build digital skills and confidence.

The programme, delivered across ten of Sovereign’s Housing for Older People schemes, covered practical topics such as:

• Using digital devices and sending emails

• Accessing healthcare services via the NHS app

• Navigating the MySovereign customer portal

• Staying safe and connected online

Residents were supported weekly for six weeks in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. The initiative formed part of a broader digital strategy SPG helped to deliver at SNG, which includes enhancing digital platforms, systems, and data to elevate customer experience.

The Results

The impact of the programme has been immediate and deeply personal:

🟣 93% of participants said they now better understand and use their digital devices

🟣 84% rated the trainers as “Excellent”, with particular praise for their patience and approachability

🟣 Residents reported improved confidence, independence, and renewed enthusiasm for digital engagement

“I personally regained confidence that I had lost and also learned to do things I'd not known about or hadn't tried before. Thanks, guys, for all your support!”
- SNG Resident, Tea & Technology Participant

“Thank you all for the opportunity these sessions gave.”
- SNG Resident

The initiative also deepened the collaborative relationship between SPG and SNG, highlighting how strategic partnerships can deliver meaningful, long-term change in the communities we serve.

“We partner with our clients to ‘Be the change’ needed to solve complex problems, delivering transformational technology solutions that empower people. So it was a natural fit to partner with Sovereign to support this initiative, which is aligned with our ethos of making real change in the community.”
— Gareth Humphreys, CEO, SPG

“With 6.9 million people in the UK digitally excluded, we know the importance of supporting our customers to connect digitally and develop their skills. We’re pleased to have received this donation from SPG, which will help support more people.”
— Andrew Cooper, Head of Partnerships and Funding, Sovereign

About Sovereign Network Group

Sovereign Network Group is one of the UK’s leading housing associations, managing tens of thousands of homes across the South of England. With a deep social purpose, SNG is focused on building thriving communities and investing in the long-term success of its customers and places.