Over the past few weeks, we have had the absolute pleasure of working with Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS) to deliver Digital Champion training and honestly, it’s been one of those projects that reminds you why digital inclusion matters so much.

For anyone who doesn’t know them, DMWS is a brilliant charity supporting current and former members of the armed forces and their families. Their welfare officers are dotted all around the country, offering help with everything from mental health and finances to physical health and family life. They’re often the people who quietly step in during someone’s toughest moments.

And now, digital inclusion is becoming part of that support too. DMWS is launching a brand-new app that will act as a one-stop shop for support: resources, signposting, and tools all in one place. It’s an exciting step forward, but the team is very aware of a big challenge that not everyone will have the skills, confidence, or connectivity to use it.

That’s where their new digital champions come in.

The learners on the course were such a lovely group, engaged, thoughtful, and very grounded in the reality of the people they support. Many of them could immediately picture service users who would benefit from being able to get online, use the app, or simply feel more confident with digital tools.

“I had no idea about all the amazing organisations like Good Things Foundation or Databank!”

One of the big eye-openers during the sessions was how many people hadn’t heard of initiatives like National Databank, servjces peovided by AbilityNet and our very own Learnworlds site. Once we talked through what they are and how they work, you could almost see the lightbulbs switching on.

Several learners were really keen to get started straight away. They already had people in mind who could benefit from free data, devices, or digital skills support. Matt, one of the learners, shared how he’d helped a homeless veteran to get a Vodafone SIM card. That simple bit of connectivity turned into something much bigger. The man was able to access services, communicate, and start sorting out practical things and it snowballed from there.

He went on to find temporary housing, secure a job, and eventually move into a permanent home. And he told Matt that it all started with that SIM card (and we know his meeting with Matt of course).

It’s such a powerful reminder that digital access isn’t just about convenience, it can be a lifeline.

For organisations like DMWS, digital inclusion isn’t a “nice extra.” It’s becoming a core part of how people access support, information, and opportunities. But without the skills, devices, or data, people can get left behind especially veterans and families already dealing with complex challenges.

By training Digital Champions within DMWS, they’re embedding digital support right into their welfare model. That means someone who’s already trusted can help a person get online, use the new app, or connect with wider digital inclusion services.

This project has been such a positive experience. The learners were enthusiastic, compassionate, and genuinely excited to use what they’ve learned. It feels like the start of something really impactful small digital steps that could lead to big life changes.

And if Matt’s story shows anything, it’s that sometimes a SIM card, an app, or a bit of digital confidence can be the first domino in a chain of transformation.

We can’t wait to see where this goes next.