Involve announces new Digitally Connected Hub 

Kent-based charity Involve is developing a new Digital Inclusion & Community Hub to help local people build confidence online, access support and stay connected 

Involve has announced Digitally Connected, a new Digital Inclusion & Community Hub at Maidstone Community Support Centre. The project is being delivered with practical support from construction company Magrock, as part of its new charity initiative, the ‘Magrock 10 Impact Series’. 

The project is transforming an underused space into a practical community asset for people experiencing digital exclusion. It will particularly support people whose age, disability, caring responsibilities, long-term health condition, low digital confidence, or social isolation can make it harder to get online, access services, complete forms and stay connected. 

Digitally Connected will provide a welcoming space where people can build digital confidence at their own pace, access support with online tasks and take part in activities that strengthen independence, wellbeing, and community connection. 

Magrock has supported the project from the outset through site scoping, practical advice, and development planning. The Magrock team is now helping to prepare and fit out the space, supporting Involve to create a safe, practical, and accessible community hub. 

The need for digital inclusion support remains significant. Many essential services, including health, welfare, housing, employment, education, and community support, increasingly require people to access information or complete forms online. For people without access to devices, the internet, or support to use online services, this can create barriers to independence and increase isolation. For some local residents, not feeling confident online can mean struggling to book appointments, manage benefits, stay connected with family, find local activities or get the help they need. 

Digitally Connected will help address this by creating a local space where people can get support, practise digital skills and feel more confident using technology in everyday life. 

Gary Wells, Chief Executive Officer of Involve, said: “Digital exclusion can impact nearly every part of a person’s day-to-day life. Limited access to technology, or lack of digital confidence can make it harder to stay independent, connected and in control of the support they need. 

Digitally Connected will give people a welcoming, practical space where they can access equipment and broadband. Where needed, people will be able to build their confidence at their own pace, ask questions without judgement, and develop skills that make everyday life easier. We are grateful to Magrock for helping us turn this from an idea into a practical initiative that is ready to respond to local community needs.” 

Richard Brewer, Managing Director of Magrock said: “As part of our ten-year anniversary we wanted to celebrate with a series of charity initiatives which offer real support to local communities. Digitally Connected is exactly the kind of community project we wanted to support, helping to turn an unused space into something that can make a real difference for local people.” 

Involve will share further updates as the project develops, including progress on the space, opportunities for local collaboration and the difference the Hub will make once active.