The internet and other digital technologies are increasingly necessary tools for communication and access in the modern world. Lemos&Crane and Thames Reach, supported by The LankellyChase Foundation, previously celebrated organisations and individuals working to extend the growing potential of digital technologies such as the internet, social media, apps and SMS to improve the lives of homeless and vulnerable people with the LankellyChase Digital Empowerment Awards, you can view the winning entries here.
Producing these awards and seeing how homeless people used and interacted with digital technology led us to questions about the experience of these so-called excluded communities. Namely: do homeless and ex-homeless individuals have access to the necessary hardware and software for digital inclusion, have these technologies had as large an impact in these communities as elsewhere in society, how do homeless users want to engage with digital technology and how could services improve their own use of these technologies? With the continued support of The LankellyChase Foundation, Lemos&Crane and Thames Reach began a study on the access, use, and benefits of digital technology for homeless and ex-homeless people.
The study is based on interviews conducted by researchers at Lemos&Crane and Groundswell peer researchers and incorporates answers from over 300 homeless and ex-homeless people. The research challenges the common stereotype of homeless people living a socially isolated life and the assumption that they neither use nor want expanded access to digital technology.
To read The potential for empowering homeless people through digital technology, our preliminary literature review informing this project click here.
For more information email Sarah Frankenburg here.
Bronze: For members who have completed their profile or posted to the forum
Silver: For members who have submitted an example or entered an awards programme
Gold: For members who have been a speaker at an event or have won or been shortlisted for an award.
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