Get online and connected with our Digital Lending Library
We're launching our Digital Lending Library on Thursday 15 January 2026.
Struggling to get online because of costs? Want to save time and money by managing life digitally? Or ready to unlock new opportunities to connect, learn, and explore everything the digital world has to offer? Your digital journey starts here – with laptop and smartphone loans and free data SIM cards available.
Why are we launching a Digital Lending Library?
At One Manchester, we know the rising cost of living has made it harder for some customers to stay connected. Paying for internet access, data, digital devices and even building digital skills can be a real challenge.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to build the digital skills that make everyday life easier and open up new opportunities – whether it’s staying connected to vital health services, saving money on everyday bills, accessing learning and employment, or managing your One Manchester account online. Together, we can make sure no one is left behind.
To support local people to get online, last year we launched the first part of our new digital support service. Our weekly Digital Connect drop-in skills sessions were set up to help people build their digital skills, at their own pace. The next stage is our brand-new Digital Lending Library, offering eligible customers the chance to loan a laptop computer or smartphone for free, for up to three months to get you connected.
How does the Digital Lending Library work?
The scheme is open to all One Manchester customers by referral through our Neighbourhoods, Financial Inclusion, Employment and Skills, and other specialist support teams (eg. care leaver, domestic abuse). If you’d like a referral, please get in touch through our Contact Us form or call us on 0330 355 1000.
Laptops and smartphones are available for a loan period of three months initially.
We also have free data SIM cards available – these are subject to availability. We’ll let you know if we have any once you have your referral.
How can I get referred?
You’ll need to show our team the barriers you’re facing to getting online - whether it’s financial challenges or simply not knowing where to start. We’ll need to understand what’s holding you back, so we can help you get online.
If you don’t qualify for a device loan, we’re still here to help you boost your digital confidence. We also run weekly Digital Connect drop-in sessions on Thursdays at Gorton Hub. These sessions are designed to help you start building your digital skills.
How can I find out more?
We’re launching our Digital Lending Library at a special event at Gorton Hub on Thursday 15 January from 10am until 1pm.
You’re invited to come along to chat to our teams and find out how the Library and our Digital Connect sessions could help you take the next step to getting online. We’ll also be giving away some great prizes to some very lucky attendees, including the chance to win a laptop computer!
No need to book – just come along and join us.
If you’d like to find out more, you can email us at digitalconnect@onemanchester.co.uk
Event details
- What: Digital Lending Library launch
- Where: Gorton Hub, Garratt Way (M18 8HE)
- When: Thursday 15 January 2026, 10am-1pm
We look forward to seeing you there!
Got any questions?
If you have any questions and you’d like to chat to our team, please contact us on 0330 355 1000. Or you can drop us an email at digitalconnect@onemanchester.co.uk and we’ll get back to you.
