Bringing Digital Support and Advice Closer to Home in Lewes Town

We’re delighted to be launching the Lewes Town Advice and Digital Inclusion Project, building on the success of our DSIT‑funded pilot that ran earlier this year in Newhaven, Seaford and Peacehaven.

During the pilot (January–March), we saw first‑hand how digital exclusion continues to affect people’s ability to access essential services, manage money, apply for support and resolve problems early. The learning from that work has directly shaped this next phase of the project, funded by Lewes Town Council, allowing us to offer broader, more tailored support with greater impact for residents in Lewes Town.

What we learned from the pilot

Digital exclusion does not look the same for everyone. In our pilot, we supported people who:

• lacked access to affordable data or a suitable device;

• had limited confidence using online systems;

• could use digital tools but struggled with complex forms or applications;

• were digitally excluded due to disability, poor health or neurodivergence; or

• became excluded as a result of life events such as homelessness, relationship breakdown or debt.

We also learned that digital issues rarely sit in isolation. For many residents, difficulties getting online were closely linked to problems with housing, benefits, debt, employment or health. Addressing digital barriers alongside advice support helped people move forward more quickly and with greater confidence.

A more joined‑up offer for Lewes

The Lewes Town Advice and Digital Inclusion Project has been designed to respond to this learning.

The project brings together practical digital support with Citizens Advice “First Aid” and access to our accredited advice services, all in one place. This means residents don’t have to navigate multiple organisations or repeat their story to get the help they need.

Support available through the project includes:

• Help getting online, including confidence‑building digital support

• Applications for free mobile data, helping to tackle digital poverty and support independent access

• Advice on a wide range of issues, including benefits, housing, debt, employment and cost‑of‑living pressures

• Seamless internal referrals to specialist advice teams, including:

  • Form‑filling support

  • Housing advice

  • Autism Advice Service

  • Benefits and disability casework

  • Debt advice

By combining digital inclusion support with advice delivery, we can help people address the underlying issues affecting their lives, not just the immediate digital problem.

Early intervention, better outcomes

A key aim of the project is to help people address problems earlier. Digital exclusion can delay access to advice and support, allowing issues to escalate. By providing friendly, accessible drop‑in support in the community, we can help residents take action sooner, reduce stress and prevent problems from becoming crises.

Residents who need ongoing support are smoothly referred into our main service for continuity.

Working with the community

The project is delivered with the support of Lewes Town Council and in partnership with local community venues, making advice and digital support easier to access where people already are.

Our advisors and digital support workers use the insights gained from the pilot to tailor support to each individual, recognising different starting points and needs. This flexible, person‑centred approach has proven essential in helping people build confidence, develop skills and make meaningful progress.

Drop‑in digital and advice support in Lewes Town

As part of the Lewes Town Advice and Digital Inclusion Project, we are running two in‑person drop‑in sessions each month until October, giving residents flexible and informal access to digital support and advice with no appointment needed.

📍 Where and when

Malling Foodbank -Kings Church, Brooks Rd

• One drop‑in session each month

• 11am–1pm

• No appointment necessary

Landport – Tenants Resource Centre, 2a Horsfield Road

• Wednesday 6 May

• 11am–1pm

• No appointment necessary

Lewes Climate Hub, Lewes House, 32 High Street

• Sunday 15 June

• 11am–1pm

• No appointment necessary

At each session, residents can get:

• Friendly help to get online or build digital confidence

• Support applying for free mobile data

• Advice on benefits, housing, employment and more

• Seamless referrals into our specialist advice teams where needed

You don’t need to book, and you don’t need to know exactly what support you need before you come along. Just drop in, have a chat with our advisors, and we’ll help you take the next step.

Looking ahead

We’re excited to be expanding this work in Lewes Town and continuing to learn as the project develops. By tackling digital exclusion alongside high‑quality advice, we aim to improve access, reduce inequality and support residents to move forward with greater independence and confidence.

If you’d like to find out more about upcoming sessions or how this project could support you or someone you know, please get in touch or follow our updates.