Everyday up and down the country, Assurant is helping people to stay connected to the mobile devices they use to keep their lives running smoothly. Whether it’s fixing a cracked mobile phone screen in one of our 67 retail stores, repairing a laptop at our Device Care Centre or getting a business customer a replacement handset within 4 hours of logging a claim; we understand the importance of keeping a consumer’s gateway to the digital world open at pace.
Being able to jump online 24/7 to check bank accounts, social media or the latest news headlines is something many now take for granted. However, according to the 2023 UK Consumer Digital Index report published by Lloyds Bank, almost 5 million people in the UK do not have access to the Internet and around 13 million have ‘low digital capability’.
Since 2022, Lloyds Banking Group has set about tackling the digital divide to ensure the benefits and opportunities of digital technology are accessible to all. One such activity has been leading the Digital Inclusion Initiative, a nationwide scheme that is being piloted in the Liverpool City Region.
As a key partner of Lloyds Banking Group, Assurant were delighted to offer our support in helping to drive this programme forward. So far, we have donated 3,600 Android tablets and 3,600 MiFi devices, which are now being rolled out across the Liverpool City region. This means residents who were digitally excluded and lack the access to devices and connectivity, can now get the essential life skills required to help them achieve their ambitions.
By the end of 2024, the scheme is expected to get over 4,500 residents online who were previously digitally excluded.
I recently attended an event in Liverpool where I got to see and meet some of the residents who are benefiting from the programme. It was heart-warming to witness first-hand the real difference our contribution has made, along with the support the community are getting from all the partners involved and how it will enhance their lives.
Check out this video here which provides some information about the initiative -
One of the pillars of our accelerated sustainability agenda is ‘Connected Communities’ which delivers a thriving society through diversity, equity and inclusion. Supporting initiatives like in the Liverpool City Region helps us to deliver on our agenda faster.
We’re delighted to continually support such initiatives to ensure as many people as possible thrive in a connected world.
Lee Sturgeon
UK Managing Director
