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Our impact in Coventry

Across our fantastic city, we're working with organisations who help people get connected to the digital world. Giving people confidence, skills, and sharing opportunities.

Here's just a few, of many, inspiring examples.

The partners we empower

Through collaboration with our #CovConnects Partners, we're supporting residents across Coventry on their digital journeys, closing the digital divide with help and support.

By providing our partners with devices, connectivity, resources and capacity, we enable them to do what they do best - support local people to get online, build skills and unlock opportunities.

Change residents' lives

James Gough, Project Manager at WATCH Charity, told us:

"Many of our residents are in the process of establishing their life in the UK. They are motivated to boost their education and skills, build experience and contribute to the community. The digital access provided by #CovConnects means greater freedom and a route towards the life they desire."

The Working Actively To Change Hillfields (WATCH) Centre

At the WATCH Centre, digital inclusion is about more than technology. It’s about confidence, opportunity and community. 

Residents can access a wide range of training including: 

  • English and computer classes 
  • Radio training 
  • Weekly job clubs 
  • Personal development workshops 

All designed to build skills, reduce inequalities, tackle unemployment and improve lives. 

Through #CovConnects, residents at WATCH can: 

  • Access free National Databank SIM cards 
  • Drop into weekly digital support sessions 
  • Receive devices from the #CovConnects Device Bank 

Making a difference to Daksha

Daksha Piparia, Volunteer Manager at Coventry Independent Advice Service, said:

"We have delivered around 480 community digital sessions per year in local libraries, supporting local people with a range of requests including printing, online digital skills courses such as Learn My Way, completing online forms, setting up devices, email, help with CV's and job applications."

"We have also been able to gift a range of devices through the #CovConnects Device Bank, for people who are unable to afford a laptop or internet access but are essential for education, job hunting, training and accessing government services."

"We have helped people who struggle with mobile phones costs through gifting SIM cards. The support from #CovConnects has been instrumental in our mission to empower local people and give them the knowledge and skills they need every day. We are also incredibly grateful to out brilliant team of volunteers who make this work possible."

Coventry Independent Advice Service (CIAS)

Coventry Independent Advice Service offers free, confidential, community‑based advice that helps residents navigate life’s challenges - including the digital ones. 

CIAS delivers weekly volunteer‑led digital skills drop‑ins in libraries across the city. Giving residents hands‑on, practical support to use technology confidently in their everyday lives. 

With support from #CovConnects, CIAS residents can also: 

  • Access devices from the #CovConnects Device Bank 
  • Get connected with National Databank SIM cards and data 

The difference we make

Since the launch of #CovConnects in 2022, we've worked with our partners to make a true difference in Coventry for residents facing digital exclusion.

Here is a snapshot of our impact to date.

Covconnects statistics and impact infographic

From Cov, For Cov - the difference we make 

  • 6,000+ digital devices distributed through the #CovConnects Device Bank 
  • 220,000+ kg CO2 eq Carbon emissions saved
  • 2800+ Kg of e-waste responsibly handled
  • 350+ devices repaired
  • Refurbished laptops, smartphones and tablets, plus peripherals and smart devices 
  • Mi‑Fi units and data‑enabled SIM cards help residents get online safely and confidently when they need to 

#CovConnects Partners - powering digital inclusion 

  • 200+ #CovConnects Partners supported with devices for their communities 
  • 70+ partners returned for a second application - showing just how vital digital access is across the city 
  • 15,000+ Coventry residents impacted
  • 4 Businesses donating devices
  • 133 Digital inclusion hubs
  • 16,500+ National Databank SIM cards distributed in Coventry
  • Pilots, workshops, digital drop‑ins and tailored support - all enabled through the #CovConnects Device Bank and wider system support 

Changing lives, one digital journey at a time 

Our commitment to digital inclusion in Coventry is simple: We’re here for residents’ digital journey, because when people are connected, communities thrive. 

Examples of our important work include:  

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