Why is being online important?

Being online is becoming increasingly important. It can help you stay connected, access support, and manage everyday tasks. Being online can help you access important services and opportunities, such as: Booking NHS appointments and finding health information Accessing digital mental health support like trusted apps, therapy, and tools . Applying for and managing welfare benefits Searching and applying for jobs Education and training Banking and shopping Keeping in touch with family and friends Without internet access, people can find it harder to access these services. For more information, please see our following webpages: Digital mental health support: Benefits, risks, and safe use of AI tools Online mental health support - Trusted apps, therapy, and tools Using the NHS app: A guide for you and your carer How can having online access be good for mental health? Being online can: help reduce isolation, improve access to treatment and support, and make it easier to stay connected with friends, family, and services. Sometimes online use can be bad for your mental health too. Like if you: spend too much time on social media, or use AI chatbots, but they have a bad effect on your mental health. You can get more advice and information from Mental Health UK on Social media and young people’s mental health Artificial Intelligence and mental health

What are barriers to getting online?

Barriers to getting online are things that make it harder to access or use the internet. These barriers can include: The cost of broadband, mobile data, or devices Lack of digital skills or confidence Poor internet access in your area Mental health problems Disability or accessibility needs Concerns about privacy, scams, or online safety This is sometimes called digital exclusion. Lots of people need help getting online, so wanting support is normal. There are lots of different types of help for the barriers described above. Read on for advice and information that might help you. You might find it challenging using the internet. You can ask organisations if there are alternative ways to access their information or services.

What if I cannot afford broadband or mobile data?

What is the National Databank? The National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who cannot access the internet. You can find out more on the Good Things Foundation website . What are social broadband tariffs? Some internet providers offer low-cost social internet tariffs. These are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Social tariffs provide internet access in the same way as standard packages but at a reduced cost. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, encourages providers to offer these packages. You can get more information on Ofcom’s website , including how to apply for a social tariff. You can also use Fasterbroadband's website to compare and apply for broadband social tariff deals . How can I access the internet for free? Often you can access the internet for free at: Local libraries Community centres Jobcentres

What if I cannot afford a device?

You may not be able to afford a device, like a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. The National Device Bank provides devices to people who cannot afford them. You can find out more on the Good Things Foundation website . Some local charities might be able to help, and you can also buy refurbished low-cost devices. You can normally access computers at your local library .

What can I do if I lack digital skills or confidence?

You can learn digital skills at your own pace and get support from trusted organisations. Learn My Way provides free courses on how to use the internet and digital skills to stay safe and connected. The charity Supporting Communities provide useful, brief guides on: Connecting to Wi-Fi Getting to know your tablet how to access email How to send an email Downloading an app on an Android Downloading an app on an iPad There are free essential digital skills courses in many areas. You can search on the National Careers Service find a course webpage . Put in a search term like ‘digital skills.’ Also, you can call them on 0800 100 900. Many libraries , community organisations, and local councils also offer digital skills support.

What if I live in an area with poor internet access?

Some people living in rural areas cannot access a standard broadband connection or experience poor internet speeds. There may be alternatives if your broadband connection is slow or unavailable. Alternative options may include: Mobile broadband Wireless broadband Satellite broadband Your local council may also provide information about available options. Worcestershire County Council has good information on broadband alternatives . Although it is aimed at the residents of Worcestershire, the options they describe can apply to anyone in England.

How can mental health problems make being online more challenging?

Mental health problems can make it harder to get online or use digital services. This can happen because of symptoms that affect things like your confidence, concentration, motivation, memory or energy levels. Everyone's experience is different. You may face some of these challenges, none of them, or different ones altogether. For example: Anxiety might make you worry about making mistakes, online scams, or sharing personal information. Depression can affect motivation and energy. This can make it difficult to learn new skills, complete online tasks, or keep up with emails and messages. Psychosis may affect trust in technology or online communication. Bipolar disorder could affect how you use technology during different mood states. For example, you may find it harder to concentrate when unwell or be more likely to make impulsive decisions online. Memory and concentration difficulties can make it harder to remember passwords, follow instructions, or complete online forms. Feeling overwhelmed or stressed can make online tasks seem difficult or exhausting. Low confidence may make you reluctant to try new technology or ask for help. Social isolation can reduce opportunities to learn digital skills from friends, family, or support networks. If any of these challenges affect you, you are not alone. Many people need support to build their confidence and digital skills. The support listed in this guide may help you get online and use digital services in a way that works for you. For information about treatment and support for mental health problems, see our following webpages: Anxiety disorders Bipolar disorder Depression Depression with psychotic symptoms Psychosis Worried about your mental health? How to get treatment and support Social inclusion and mental illness - How can I become more connected?

What if I have accessibility needs?

You might have difficulties accessing online content because of things like poor eyesight, dyslexia, or hand tremors. You can often adapt your phone, computer, or tablet to meet your needs. There are tools that can help, such as: Screen readers Voice-to-text software Larger text settings Captioning - adding text to pictures or videos Accessibility features on smartphones: Guidance for Apple phones Guidance for Android phones You can get further advice and information on accessibility tools from guidance by AbilityNet .

How can I stay safe online?

Simple steps can help you use the internet more safely. You can: Use strong passwords Use 2-factor authentication Learn to recognise scam texts and emails Keep devices updated Avoid sharing personal information unless it is safe to do so Be cautious about unexpected messages or requests for money Ask someone you trust if you are unsure Learn how to shop online safely Learning about online safety can help build confidence. You can get trusted advice and information on staying safe online on the National Cyber Security Centre’s website .

Checklist - What steps can I take to get online?

Checklist: Steps I can take to get online: ☐ Check what internet access is available in my area ☐ Find out if I am eligible for a social tariff ☐ Access a suitable device ☐ Learn basic digital skills ☐ Get support from a trusted organisation ☐ Learn how to stay safe online ☐ Practice using online services regularly

Where can I get support?

Many organisations can help you improve your digital inclusion and confidence online. You may find support from: Local libraries Local councils Community organisations Learn My Way AbilityNet : A UK charity transforming the lives of older and disabled people to build a digital world that is accessible to all The charity Supporting Communities

For more advice and information please see our following webpages: Digital mental health support: Benefits, risks, and safe use of AI tools Online mental health support - Trusted apps, therapy, and tools Using the NHS app: A guide for you and your carer You can get more advice and information from Mental Health UK on Social media and young people’s mental health Artificial Intelligence and mental health

Frequently asked questions

What if I cannot afford internet access? You may qualify for a cheaper social tariff or free mobile data. See ‘What if I cannot afford broadband or mobile data?’ above. Can I get help learning digital skills? Yes. Free courses and local support are available. See ‘What can I do if I lack digital skills or confidence?’ above. Can mental health problems affect getting online? Yes. They can affect confidence, concentration, motivation and memory. See ‘How can mental health problems make being online more challenging?’ above. What if I am worried about online scams? Learn online safety basics and ask for help if unsure. See ‘How can I stay safe online?’ above. Can I use the internet at a library? Many libraries offer free internet and computer access. See ‘What if I cannot afford a device?’ above. What if I have a disability? Accessibility tools and specialist support may help. See ‘What if I have accessibility needs?’ above. Where can I get support to get online? Libraries, councils, community groups, and digital skills organisations can help. See ‘What can I do if I lack digital skills or confidence?’ above.

How to access and use the internet confidently: Digital skills, support and mental health

Advice and information
Digital mental health hub
Digital mental health support
How to access and use the internet confidently: Digital skills, support and mental health

How to access and use the internet confidently

Digital skills, support and mental health

Being online can help you stay connected, find information, access support and manage everyday tasks. But getting online is not always easy. Things like costs, confidence, mental health problems, or poor internet access can make it harder. This information explains common barriers people face, and how you can overcome them. If you are 18 or over and live in England, this is for you. It takes about 8 minutes to read.

See our page on Accessible advice for information on alternative ways to access this content.

The key points

Being online can help you connect with people and access mental health support, benefits, education, and work.
To get online, you usually need a device, internet access, and basic digital skills.
Some things can make it harder to get online.
They include cost, poor internet access, low confidence, lack of digital skills, mental health problems, or accessibility needs.
Support is available if you cannot afford internet access, mobile data, or a device. Also, free internet access may be available at places such as libraries, community centres, and jobcentres.
Free training and local support can help you build digital skills and confidence.
Accessibility tools, such as screen readers, captions, and voice-to-text software, can help some people use the internet more easily.

Frequently asked Q's

Being online is becoming increasingly important. It can help you stay connected, access support, and manage everyday tasks.

Being online can help you access important services and opportunities, such as:
- Booking NHS appointments and finding health information
- Accessing digital mental health support like trusted apps, therapy, and tools.
- Applying for and managing welfare benefits
- Searching and applying for jobs
- Education and training
- Banking and shopping
- Keeping in touch with family and friends
Without internet access, people can find it harder to access these services.

For more information, please see our following webpages:
How can having online access be good for mental health?

Being online can:
- help reduce isolation,
- improve access to treatment and support, and
- make it easier to stay connected with friends, family, and services.
Sometimes online use can be bad for your mental health too. Like if you:
- spend too much time on social media, or
- use AI chatbots, but they have a bad effect on your mental health.
You can get more advice and information from Mental Health UK on
- Social media and young people’s mental health
- Artificial Intelligence and mental health
Barriers to getting online are things that make it harder to access or use the internet.

These barriers can include:
- The cost of broadband, mobile data, or devices
- Lack of digital skills or confidence
- Poor internet access in your area
- Mental health problems
- Disability or accessibility needs
- Concerns about privacy, scams, or online safety
This is sometimes called digital exclusion.

Lots of people need help getting online, so wanting support is normal. There are lots of different types of help for the barriers described above. Read on for advice and information that might help you.

You might find it challenging using the internet. You can ask organisations if there are alternative ways to access their information or services.
What is the National Databank?

The National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who cannot access the internet. You can find out more on the Good Things Foundation website.

What are social broadband tariffs?

Some internet providers offer low-cost social internet tariffs. These are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

Social tariffs provide internet access in the same way as standard packages but at a reduced cost.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, encourages providers to offer these packages.

You can get more information on Ofcom’s website, including how to apply for a social tariff.

You can also use Fasterbroadband's website to compare and apply for broadband social tariff deals.

How can I access the internet for free?

Often you can access the internet for free at:
- Local libraries
- Community centres
- Jobcentres
You may not be able to afford a device, like a laptop, mobile phone, or tablet.

The National Device Bank provides devices to people who cannot afford them. You can find out more on the Good Things Foundation website.

Some local charities might be able to help, and you can also buy refurbished low-cost devices.

You can normally access computers at your local library.
You can learn digital skills at your own pace and get support from trusted organisations.

Learn My Way provides free courses on how to use the internet and digital skills to stay safe and connected.

The charity Supporting Communities provide useful, brief guides on:
- Connecting to Wi-Fi
- Getting to know your tablet
- how to access email
- How to send an email
- Downloading an app on an Android
- Downloading an app on an iPad
There are free essential digital skills courses in many areas. You can search on the National Careers Service find a course webpage. Put in a search term like ‘digital skills.’ Also, you can call them on 0800 100 900.

Many libraries, community organisations, and local councils also offer digital skills support.
Some people living in rural areas cannot access a standard broadband connection or experience poor internet speeds.

There may be alternatives if your broadband connection is slow or unavailable.

Alternative options may include:
- Mobile broadband
- Wireless broadband
- Satellite broadband
Your local council may also provide information about available options.

Worcestershire County Council has good information on broadband alternatives. Although it is aimed at the residents of Worcestershire, the options they describe can apply to anyone in England.
Mental health problems can make it harder to get online or use digital services. This can happen because of symptoms that affect things like your confidence, concentration, motivation, memory or energy levels.

Everyone's experience is different. You may face some of these challenges, none of them, or different ones altogether.

For example:
- Anxiety might make you worry about making mistakes, online scams, or sharing personal information.
- Depression can affect motivation and energy. This can make it difficult to learn new skills, complete online tasks, or keep up with emails and messages.
- Psychosis may affect trust in technology or online communication.
- Bipolar disorder could affect how you use technology during different mood states. For example, you may find it harder to concentrate when unwell or be more likely to make impulsive decisions online.
- Memory and concentration difficulties can make it harder to remember passwords, follow instructions, or complete online forms.
- Feeling overwhelmed or stressed can make online tasks seem difficult or exhausting.
- Low confidence may make you reluctant to try new technology or ask for help.
- Social isolation can reduce opportunities to learn digital skills from friends, family, or support networks.
If any of these challenges affect you, you are not alone. Many people need support to build their confidence and digital skills. The support listed in this guide may help you get online and use digital services in a way that works for you.

For information about treatment and support for mental health problems, see our following webpages:
You might have difficulties accessing online content because of things like poor eyesight, dyslexia, or hand tremors.

You can often adapt your phone, computer, or tablet to meet your needs.

There are tools that can help, such as:
- Screen readers
- Voice-to-text software
- Larger text settings
- Captioning - adding text to pictures or videos
- Accessibility features on smartphones:
  - Guidance for Apple phones
  - Guidance for Android phones
You can get further advice and information on accessibility tools from guidance by AbilityNet.
Simple steps can help you use the internet more safely.

You can:
- Use strong passwords
- Use 2-factor authentication
- Learn to recognise scam texts and emails
- Keep devices updated
- Avoid sharing personal information unless it is safe to do so
- Be cautious about unexpected messages or requests for money
- Ask someone you trust if you are unsure
- Learn how to shop online safely
Learning about online safety can help build confidence.

You can get trusted advice and information on staying safe online on the National Cyber Security Centre’s website.
Many organisations can help you improve your digital inclusion and confidence online.

You may find support from:
- Local libraries
- Local councils
- Community organisations
- Learn My Way
- AbilityNet: A UK charity transforming the lives of older and disabled people to build a digital world that is accessible to all
- The charity Supporting Communities
For more advice and information please see our following webpages:
You can get more advice and information from Mental Health UK on
- Social media and young people’s mental health
- Artificial Intelligence and mental health
What if I cannot afford internet access?
You may qualify for a cheaper social tariff or free mobile data. See ‘What if I cannot afford broadband or mobile data?’ above.

Can I get help learning digital skills?
Yes. Free courses and local support are available. See ‘What can I do if I lack digital skills or confidence?’ above.

Can mental health problems affect getting online?
Yes. They can affect confidence, concentration, motivation and memory. See ‘How can mental health problems make being online more challenging?’ above.

What if I am worried about online scams?
Learn online safety basics and ask for help if unsure. See ‘How can I stay safe online?’ above.

Can I use the internet at a library?
Many libraries offer free internet and computer access. See ‘What if I cannot afford a device?’ above.

What if I have a disability?
Accessibility tools and specialist support may help. See ‘What if I have accessibility needs?’ above.

Where can I get support to get online?
Libraries, councils, community groups, and digital skills organisations can help. See ‘What can I do if I lack digital skills or confidence?’ above.

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