Introducing Wellbeing, Tech & Me – the Digital Confidence Course for Local Mental Wellbeing
June 9, 2026
Digital confidence and online safety are essential for everyday life – and our local minds are being left behind! That’s why we’re launching pur ‘Wellbeing, Tech & Me’ programme, designed to help local people build confidence, connection and wellbeing in a digital world.
The North East has one of the highest proportions of adults lacking basic online safety skills (Llyods, 2023/2024). At Tyneside and Northumberland Mind we’re dedicated to forwarding our mental health mission. That means support that’s flexible and responsive to local needs. That’s why we’re launching ‘Wellbeing, Tech & Me’, an in‑person 6‑week digital confidence programme. It’s designed to help local people build confidence, connection and wellbeing in a digital world.
We can offer this programme because of the generous support of TSG (Technology Solutions Group). TSG are a Gateshead‑based IT Services and Consulting company. Together, we’re helping people feel safer, more confident and more in control online.
Why digital confidence matters for mental health
We listen, we learn, we respond at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind. People tell us the rapid digitalisation of essential services, from GP appointments to benefits and banking has created barriers navigating day-to-day activities. At least one-third of digitally excluded adults struggling to access government services like benefits (Good Things Foundation, 2025). A lack of knowledge can mean:
– digital anxiety / fear of making mistakes online
– isolation from friends, family and essential services
– increased pressure on existing mental health challenges
– increased risk of falling for scams and misleading content
Our mission is simple: no mind left behind. We’re giving people a safe, supportive and accessible space to learn, ask questions and build confidence.
Let’s break it down further!
One in five are helping a loved one make payments, find their balance or paying in cheques – that’s 11 million people (Llyods, 2024).
NHS England App is one of the most used public services in the UK. It allows people to book appointments, make repeat prescription orders, and access information – and yet nearly one in three people find NHS England one of the hardest organisations to interact with (NHS England, 2024).
Most jobs in Europe now require you to have some digital knowledge to secure the position. 35% of the UK workforce lack the Essential Digital Skills for Work (12.5 million workers) – that’s basic device setup, managing passwords safely and the ability to identify suspicious links or scams (Llyods, 2024).
Digital inclusion is essential for wellbeing
Being digitally connected is now a key part of maintaining good mental health. Digital skills can be life-changing, allowing people to:
– access support services near-by more easily
– find helpful self‑help tools and coping strategies
– stay connected with others, build a network and reduce feelings of social isolation
– feel more independent and in control
When people feel confident online, they feel more confident in themselves and have the tools they need to make progress in their mental health recovery journey.
Supporting digital inclusion and digital confidence for mental wellbeing across the North East
‘Wellbeing, Tech & Me’ is a free, community‑focused programme for adults (16 years of age and over) across Tyneside and Northumberland. We’re here to help you build digital confidence in a supportive, judgement‑free environment.
If you work with local communities, support digital inclusion or know someone who could benefit, please share our programme. Our referral process is easy, simply reach out today to get started.
Learn more today
Head to our service webpage here: Wellbeing, Tech & Me – Tyneside Mind
You can also reach us via: Email wellbeing@tynesidemind.org.uk or phone call 0191 477 4545
Share our flyer, and help us reach the people who need us most. Click here.
Written by Shamara M., Marketing and Communications Manager at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.
