Digital Inclusion Team

As someone who lives in Hackney or the City of London, you can use digital tools, like the NHS App and GP websites, to access health services. As we introduce more digital tools, we also want to offer practical support to those who need it. We want to make sure everyone who can and wants to, is able to use digital health services. This will help to free up time on the phone and in person for those who need it most. 

Photo of team members Madeleine, Simdi and Emily-May

Madeleine flanked by Emily-May and Simdi


Digital support for patients, families, and carers  

Are you interested in learning more about digital health tools, like the NHS App? 
We run digital skills sessions for groups or individuals. In these friendly and supportive sessions, our Digital Coaches introduce and explain specific digital health tools, and help people to build their confidence. We can also signpost people to further support from other organisations in our City and Hackney Digital Inclusion Network.  

Contact us to find out more and book into a session: 


Getting involved 

Are you interested in sharing your experience, or helping to shape digital programmes in the NHS?
If so, we would love you to join our People’s Panel for Digital Health. Please register your interest by completing this form. 


How to get in touch with us 

Team email address: huh-tr.digitalinclusion@nhs.net

Madeleine Maxwell, Digital Inclusion Lead
madeleine.maxwell@nhs.net

Simdi Onuora, Digital Inclusion Project Officer & Trainer
simdi.onuora@nhs.net 07721 737 918

Emily-May Palmer, Digital Inclusion Project Officer & Trainer
emily-may.palmer@nhs.net  07899 066 742


Other support in City and Hackney 

Hackney Council Digital Skills courses - Hackney Council offers a range of free, first step courses for adults, including digital skills and IT. Courses take place across the Hackney.  

Age UK East London - Age UK East London will match you to a trained and vetted volunteer, who will be able to assist you with using your digital device, getting online, and learning further with technology via weekly telephone/Zoom calls: 020 8981 7124 

Age UK City of London - Age UK City of London offers 1-to-1 and drop-in support for older people looking to get online or build their digital confidence. Their drop-in sessions run on Tuesdays at Barbican Library, 5:30-7:30pm. You can call to arrange 1-to-1 support: 020 3488 6884 

Fifty-Plus Digital - Fifty-Plus Digital volunteers will help you find your own way through the digital maze — and be confident that you are doing the right thing. You can go along to one of their drop-in sessions on Wednesday afternoons from 1-4pm, at Mildmay Community Centre (near Newington Green) 

AbilityNet - For older or disabled people looking for help with their technology, AbilityNet offers free IT support in the home or over the phone, as well as useful guides on how to make digital technology accessible. You can call their free helpline: 0800 048 7642. 

Digital helpline - Run by We Are Digital in partnership with Lloyds Bank, the digital helpline offers free one-to-one training sessions over the phone. Get in touch to book a free training session or to chat about any queries you may have: 0345 222 0333. 

If you have a hearing or speech impairment you can book a session using Relay UK or BSL SignVideo. 

Citizens Online - Citizens Online can provide support with digital skills from one of their trained Digital Champions. They offer a freephone Digital Skills Helpline for people who need help to get started. If you, or someone you know, needs help with basic digital skills or support getting online, you can call their free helpline: 080 8196 5883.