In partnership with Salford City Council

Getting online should be for everyone

Free devices, free data, cheaper broadband and friendly one-to-one help. No appointment. No jargon. Just real people, ready to help.

Find free help near you See what we do

53+residents helped

3weekly drop-ins

100%free, always

A volunteer helping someone use a laptop

FreeChromebooks & SIMs

No appointmentJust walk in

2026Award-winning

Who we are

Friendly, free, local help to get online and stay connected

We are Inclusive Digital GM, working hand in hand with Salford City Council to make sure no one in our community gets left behind as the world moves online. Whether it is your first time holding a tablet or you just need a hand with a tricky form, our Tech Buddies are here.

Patient and judgement-free. No question is ever too small or too simple.
Completely free. Devices, data, and help, all at no cost to you.
Right on your doorstep. Weekly sessions in libraries and community spaces near you.

Explore what we do

The challenge

More than 1 in 7 people in Salford are at risk of being left offline

That means tens of thousands of people who can struggle to book a GP appointment, claim what they are owed, apply for work, or video call their family. These are the barriers we help people overcome every week.

No device or computer at home62%

No affordable internet access48%

Low confidence with basic skills71%

Worried about scams and safety55%

Illustrative of the barriers we see locally. Figures to be confirmed.

Our impact so far

Real help, reaching real people

Small numbers that mean a great deal to the people behind them. Figures to be verified before launch.

53+

Salford residents supported this year

12+

Wigan residents supported

Community organisations given devices

Weekly drop-in sessions, free to all

What we do

Everything you need to get online and stay safe

All of it free for Salford residents. Take one thing or take them all.

Free

Free devices

If you do not have a computer at home, you could get a free Chromebook. Set up and ready to use, with no cost and no contract.

Get a device

Free

Get connected

Free SIM cards with mobile data, WiFi boosters for your home, and help finding cheaper broadband from as little as £10 a month.

Get connected

Free

One-to-one help

Sit down with a friendly Tech Buddy who will help with anything, at your own pace. Phones, email, video calls, you name it.

Find a session

Stay safe online

Learn to spot scam texts and dodgy emails, bank online with confidence, and keep your details safe. We explain it plainly.

Learn the basics

Skills & learning

Friendly sessions to build real confidence, from your very first steps online to everyday tasks like shopping and forms.

Start learning

For organisations

We support community groups across Greater Manchester with donated devices, SIM cards and the kit to run their own sessions.

Work with us

How it works

Getting help is as easy as one, two, three

Just turn up

Come along to any of our drop-in sessions. No booking, no forms, no need to bring anything. Or call us first if you would rather.

Tell us what you need

A friendly Tech Buddy will sit with you and help with whatever you are stuck on, at a pace that suits you.

Leave more confident

Walk away having solved your problem, and knowing you can always come back next week for more.

Help beyond tech

Need more than digital help? We will point you the right way

Life is about more than getting online. Our Community Connector brings together trusted local support across Salford, from mental health and food to money and housing, all in one friendly place.

Explore the Community Connector

Mental health & wellbeing Food & essentials Money & welfare Housing & energy

Get help

There is a Tech Buddy near you

Free, friendly drop-in sessions every week. You do not need to book, and you do not need to bring anything. Just come along.

Tuesdays · 10am–3pm

Pendleton Library

Broadwalk, Salford, M6 5ET
Buses 8 and X41 stop nearby.

Get directions

Thursdays · 1:30–4pm

Cadishead Library

Liverpool Road, Cadishead
Free parking nearby.

Get directions

Wednesdays · 10am–12pm

Tea & Tech @ The Hive

185 Manchester Road, Swinton, M27 4FA
A warm welcome and a brew.

Get directions

Or call us on 0333 015 0588

An older person smiling while using a phone

A real story

I had ignored those letters for months because I did not know where to start. A Tech Buddy sorted it in an hour. Now I check my pension online myself.

A resident from SalfordHelped at Pendleton Library · Story to be replaced with real, consented quote before launch

What is happening in the community

See all news

28 May 2026

Events

New drop-in session launches at The Hive in Swinton

Tea & Tech is now running every Wednesday morning, with a warm welcome and free one-to-one help.

19 May 2026

Devices

50 free Chromebooks given to Salford residents this spring

Thanks to our partners, dozens more households now have a device and the skills to use it.

07 May 2026

Staying safe

How to spot a scam text in under a minute

Our simple guide to staying safe online, written in plain English for everyone.

Sample posts shown — real news items will appear here once published.

Get involved

Help us close the gap

Whether you have an hour a week, a few old laptops, or a whole organisation behind you, there is a way to help.

Become a Tech Buddy

No qualifications needed. Just patience and a willingness to help.

Partner with us

Work together to reach more people across Greater Manchester.

Pledge devices

Old laptops, tablets or phones can change someone's life.

Donate

Every contribution helps us reach one more person.

Working together

Backed by the people who know Salford best

Salford City Council

GMCA

Good Things Foundation

Salford CVS

Digital Everyone

Connect 15

The Hive Wellbeing Hub

ForHousing

Pendleton Together

Jangala

National Lottery

Salford University

Partner names shown as text tiles — real logos to be added before launch.

Good to know

Questions people often ask

Is it really free?

Yes, completely. There are no hidden charges, no sign-up fees and nothing to pay. The devices, the data and the help are all free for Salford residents.

Do I need to book?

No. Just turn up at any of our drop-in sessions during the times listed. If you would rather speak to someone first, call us on 0333 015 0588.

What if I have never used a computer before?

That is exactly who we are here for. Our Tech Buddies are patient and friendly, and they will start wherever you are. No question is ever too basic.

Can I bring a family member with me?

Of course. You are very welcome to bring a family member, friend or carer along with you.

Not sure where to start? That is exactly why we are here.

Bring your question, your phone, or just yourself. We will take it from there. It is free, and there is no such thing as a silly question.

Find your nearest session Call us today

Phone or WhatsApp: 0333 015 0588

Stay in the loop

Get session reminders and free resource alerts straight to your phone.