What Are Digital Cafés?
Digital Cafés are part of our mission to make digital life easier and help people across Birmingham feel more confident online. They bring together community partners and volunteers to offer one-to-one support with everyday technology, such as smartphones, tablets, email, video calls, and online services, all in familiar local spaces.
Who benefits from Digital Cafés?
Digital Cafés are for anyone who:
- Has questions about using their mobile phone, tablet or laptop
- Wants to get more from their devices and apps
- Feels unsure or nervous about doing things online
- Hasn’t been online for a while and wants to build up confidence again
- People over 50
Host your own Digital Café
Hosting a Digital Café is a simple way to extend the support you already offer your community.
Support your community
Give local people a friendly space to ask questions, build skills and feel more confident online.
Reduce digital exclusion
Help people who are missing out on online services, social connections and opportunities because they’re unsure how to use technology.
Add value to your offer
Whether you’re a library, café, community centre or faith group, a Digital Café can complement what you already do and encourage people to use your space more often.
Increase footfall and visibility
Regular sessions bring new and returning visitors into your building, raising awareness of your organisation and other activities you run.
Strengthen relationships and trust
Hosting a Digital Café shows that you’re there to help, which can deepen your connection with local residents and partner organisations.
Flexible and low-cost to run
You provide the space and Wi‑Fi; we’ll help with guidance, resources and volunteer support. All you need is one staff member to be on hand for an hour or so while the Digital Cafe is taking place.
Show your impact
Together, we can capture simple feedback and stories that demonstrate how your organisation is helping people feel more confident and included.
Did you know…
Being digitally excluded could mean being over £500 worse off every year?
Become a Digital Café Volunteer
No qualifications or advanced technical knowledge needed. If you can use your own phone, tablet or laptop, you already have the skills to help someone else feel more confident online.
Often, a short conversation can unlock someone’s confidence and you’ll see that change straight away.
Build confidence
Help people build confidence with everyday tasks like emails, apps, video calls and basic device questions.
Help locally
Volunteer at sessions near you, whenever you have an hour or two to spare.
You’re not alone
We’re here to answer any questions you have, and a staff member will always be present.
Join a Digital Café and make a difference