Supporting cancer patients with our digital inclusion programme

In February 2024, we launched our digital helpline in partnership with We Are Group and Lloyds Banking to help those with cancer access and utilise online services.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted digital inequalities across the world, and here in the UK it is estimated that one in seven people experience deprivation across several dimensions of digital access. This is due to multiple factors including age, affordability, availability, disability, region of residence in the UK and lack of digital skills.

"In 2023, the UK Communications and Digital Committee reported that an estimated 1 million people have cut back or cancelled their internet packages in the last year due to affordability issues."

Digital access has become essential for being an active member of society today, which has left thousands of people isolated and excluded. This could lead to many people being disproportionately affected and suffer physically and mentally due to digital exclusion.

"In 2020, households with one adult aged 65 years or over had the lowest proportion (80%) of internet connections."

Closing the digital divide holds the potential to transform the lives of individuals across diverse age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. This movement is particularly critical for shielding the most vulnerable, such as cancer patients, from being left without access to vital opportunities and crucial information that the digital landscape offers.

Our Digital Inclusion Program

We are the only cancer support charity in the UK with this Digital Inclusion Program which is a free service for all cancer patients in the UK. You don't need to be a Lloyds Bank customer to make use of our service, it is available for all.

The helpline will support patients access finance and banking services as well as gain essential digital skills. Each person will get one-on-one support because we know that everyone's needs are unique. If you don't have a device, don’t worry! We can send you one free of charge.

The customer service advisor will discuss with you the types of tasks you are looking for help with. They will be able to help with setting up online and mobile banking, supporting with a banking service (e.g. standing orders), online food shopping, navigating NHS and Government websites, video calling and social media and booking a GP appointment.

They will also have access to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, so if you have a hearing impairment, they can book you a BSL session using their SignVideo service (available on Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browsers).

If you currently have cancer or have a history of cancer, live in the UK or Channel Islands, are aged 18 or over and are looking for digital support call us on 0345 222 0333 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm), mention 'Cancer Card' and let's get you connected!

Read more about our digital helpline here.