A new scheme to help get residents on low income and have limited or no access to the internet on their phone or home broadband has been launched to help them get better connected.

The scheme, known as the National Databank, will help residents get online and also provide digital skills training.

Under the scheme created by the Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2 in partnership with the council, eligible residents will be able to access up to 7GB of data and unlimited calls and text messages each month, for up to six months.

At the moment, the offer is only compatible with O2 pay-as-you-go sim cards, which can be provided if required, but the scheme hopes to expand to include other providers.

Cllr Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “We know that residents are feeling the impact of rising energy costs and pressures on their finances, so the council is doing as much to give people a helping hand.

“Nothing is too small and every little helps – this is another way the council is helping residents to manage their everyday finances. I would urge residents who may find this helpful to get in touch.”

To be eligible, residents must be over the age of 18, from a low-income household and have limited or no access to the internet at home or when away from home or be unable to afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

To apply for the scheme or for more information, email libraries@lbbd.gov.uk or speak to a staff member at the Barking Learning Centre or Dagenham Library.