Bolton at Home have teamed up with Opus Broadband to offer residents free internet at their hub at Hesketh House.
The centre supports more than 200 people each year into jobs” target=”_blank”>work or training and said getting online was a ‘necessity’ for many residents.
Community Engagement Officer, Sarah Cunniffe said: “We really do feel that having Opus Broadband has made a real difference in the community.
“They came out with ladders, got up on the roof, did the survey, and got us set up with a router inside the main hub.
“As everything is digital these days, it’s really hard, banking, GP appointments, homework. Sometimes broadband doesn’t get put down as a priority, but I think it is. It should be a human right, really.”
The hub serves as a ‘hot desk and digital access point’ for community groups, and local organisations who use the space.
Sarah added: “People are genuinely pleased, and it is clear that families here will really benefit.
“I really do think that having internet now is a basic necessity.
“We’re really happy to be working together to try and reduce digital poverty in the area.”
Working with several independent charities, schools, community groups and social housing providers, Opus said it was identifying families in need of support and prioritising those with the greatest need for digital access.
The company said their ’Internet for Everyone’ scheme was introduced to help bridge the digital divide across towns and cities in the North West.
A spokesperson for Opus Broadband said: The partnership between Opus Broadband and Bolton at Home isn’t just about providing internet, it’s about empowering communities.
“By ensuring that residents have access to the digital world, they’re opening doors to employment, education, healthcare, and connection.”