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Get Online Week 2026

19–25 October

Can’t get online, can’t get by.

Get Online Week is the UK’s annual digital inclusion campaign, run by Good Things Foundation in collaboration with the National Digital Inclusion Network.
 
“34 million adults are online with some barriers or vulnerabilities”

“8 million adults lack basic digital skills”

“40% of adults are worried about being left behind as more services move online”

– Good Things Foundation, 2026

Since 2007, Get Online Week has brought communities together through thousands of free events, helping millions of people develop digital skills and confidence. This year, from 19 to 25 October 2026, the campaign is shining a light on the real impact of digital exclusion and asking everyone to help make sure people can participate in our increasingly digital society.
At LEAD Scotland, digital inclusion is embedded in everything we do. Through our projects, resources and learning opportunities, we support people to build their digital skills, confidence and safety online.
 
Can’t get online, can’t get by
Being digitally excluded isn’t simply about whether someone has an internet connection.
For many people, barriers can include a lack of confidence, limited digital skills, accessibility needs, cost, or concerns about staying safe online.
According to Good Things Foundation, 34 million adults in the UK are online with some barriers or vulnerabilities, while only 1 in 3 adults are comfortably online.
Think about everyday tasks such as:
  • Booking a doctor’s appointment
  • Paying a bill
  • Applying for a job
  • Accessing essential services
  • Keeping in touch with family and friends
  • Finding information online
  • Using new technology, including AI
For people who don’t have the skills, confidence, access or support they need, these everyday activities can become significant barriers.
That’s why digital inclusion matters.
 
Digital inclusion should be built in, not bolted on
Digital technology can open doors to learning, employment, services, information and social connection. But those benefits are only available when people can access and use technology confidently.
Good Things Foundation’s 2026 campaign is calling for digital inclusion to be “baked in, not bolted on” – built into national policy and local services from the beginning rather than treated as an afterthought.
The campaign also highlights that 72% of UK adults think the Government should be doing more to tackle digital exclusion.
Get Online Week is an opportunity to start conversations about what digital inclusion looks like in our communities and what can be done to remove the barriers people face.
How can LEAD Scotland help?
There isn’t one way to become more confident online. Everyone starts from a different place, and sometimes one small step can make a big difference.
1. Learn online with My.Lead
My.Lead gives you access to online learning and resources that you can work through at your own pace.
Whether you’re developing your digital skills, learning more about staying safe online or exploring a new topic, there’s an opportunity to learn something new.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Choose a course or resource that interests you and try one thing.
 
2. Stay safe online
Being confident online also means knowing how to protect yourself.
LEAD Scotland’s Cyber Project has developed accessible resources to help people understand online safety, privacy and scams.
These include:
Our resources are designed to make online safety information easier to understand and use.
 
3. Try one thing
Digital skills don’t have to be learned all at once.
Maybe you’ve been putting off learning how to use a particular feature on your phone. Perhaps you’d like to understand more about online banking, learn how to spot a scam, or try something new online.
 
Get Online Week is the perfect time to try one thing.
Take your time, ask questions and remember that it’s OK not to know everything. Digital confidence grows with practice and support.
 
4. Find digital support
If you need more support, LEAD Scotland may have digital inclusion services available in your area.
Our projects work with people to develop skills and confidence in ways that are accessible and relevant to their lives.
Find out more about our Learning Services and the support available in your area.
5. Follow us on social media
Follow us on social media for regular updates, advice and top tips about staying safe online.
Find us on:
Digital inclusion is everyone’s business
Get Online Week isn’t just about encouraging people to use the internet.
It’s about making sure people aren’t left behind as more and more of everyday life moves online.
For organisations, charities and community groups, that could mean thinking about whether the people you support can access your online services.
For digital inclusion practitioners, it means continuing to listen to the experiences of people who face barriers and making sure their voices are heard.
And for individuals, it could be as simple as helping a friend or family member with something they’ve been struggling with online.
 
Small actions can help make a difference.
This Get Online Week, try one thing
From 19–25 October 2026, join LEAD Scotland and organisations across the UK in recognising the importance of digital inclusion.
Whether you’re learning a new skill, helping someone else, improving your online safety or sharing information about digital inclusion, there’s something you can do.
 
You don’t have to become a digital expert overnight.
Start with one thing.
Because when people have the access, skills and confidence they need, technology can become a bridge to opportunity rather than another barrier.
 
Find out more
Explore digital learning and resources through My.Lead, discover our accessible online safety resources, or find out more about LEAD Scotland’s digital inclusion projects.
If you’d like to find out more about our Cyber Project or discuss working with us, contact:
 
Cyber Project
Email: CyberProject@lead.org.uk
For general enquiries:
 
LEAD Scotland
Email: enquiries@lead.org.uk
Tel: 0131 228 9441
Studio 1.09, St Margaret’s House
151 London Road
Edinburgh
EH7 6AE
 
Let’s make digital inclusion part of everyone’s future.

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