Practice named as awards finalist for work on digital inclusion

We have been named as a finalist in the upcoming Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) Awards.

The practice has been shortlisted in the category for ‘Digital Inclusion Champion - Charities and Communities’ and the winner will be announced in a ceremony in London on 13th November 2025.

Digital exclusion remains a critical issue, with a lack of digital skills and access linked to poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy, increased loneliness and social isolation, reduced access to jobs and education, and financial exclusion. Furthermore, as essential government services and democratic processes increasingly move online, those excluded risk losing their voice and visibility in the modern world.

IPSA, alongside its charity partner Good Things Foundation, celebrates the outstanding efforts being made to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital inclusion. Their awards aim to highlight the crucial work of charities, community groups, and industry leaders dedicated to connecting those in need. This year saw a record number of entries across this category, highlighting the growing commitment and innovative approaches being deployed to tackle this societal challenge.

In the past 12 months, we have worked to improve digital inclusion across the town, by supporting residents facing barriers to using technology. We have provided free digital health pop up sessions in high footfall areas including the library, supermarkets, at the Fair Frome food bank and in the practice itself.

Thirteen hours of digital support is offered weekly and the team have helped patients access online NHS services such as appointment booking, prescription ordering and video consultations.

We have also worked with local and national partners, such as Donate IT, to provide free devices and mobile data, to patients without access to this technology.

Helen Milner OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Good Things Foundation, said, “The exceptional volume and calibre of applications for the Charities and Communities Digital Inclusion Award underscored the vital digital inclusion work happening across the UK. It also highlighted how digital inclusion is being ‘baked in’ across a diverse range of initiatives. The chosen finalists thoughtfully presented impactful projects that tackle both digital access and skills, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the November awards ceremony.”

Will Palmer is one of our Digital Community Connectors, and said, “While challenges remain, particularly for those who haven’t grown up in a digital world, our digital health support has already transformed how thousands of our patients engage with digital healthcare. Since launching our initiative, we’ve supported over 3,500 patients, helping them improve their digital skills and improving their access to digital healthcare.”

Find out more about the digital health support available to patients registered at Frome Medical Practice

Published: Oct 28, 2025