Good Things Foundation Visit to Chorlton Library 

On Thursday 19th February, we were delighted to welcome Vicki Sellick MBE, incoming CEO of Good Things Foundation (GTF), and Sital Mistry Lee, Associate Director for Digital Inclusion Delivery to Chorlton Library. Joined by Councillor John Hacking, Libraries and Archives Lead Philip Cooke, NEDO Beverley Williams, and Digital Inclusion Coordinator Emily Littler, the group spent the afternoon discussing the library’s digital inclusion work and its vital role within the local community. 

Showcasing a refurbished, welcoming space 

The visit began with a tour of the recently refurbished library – complete with the famous Titanic anecdote (the original plans for Chorlton Library went down on the Titanic). 

The group explored the IT suite used for the library’s two weekly digital drop in sessions and discussed the usage of GTF resources such as Learn My Way, the new AI gateway platform, as well as the ongoing high demand for free data SIM cards. 

Libraries as trusted community anchors 

In a follow-up discussion in the community room, the conversation turned toward the wider role of libraries across Manchester. They are crucially important in the fight against Digital Exclusion as they are long-established and trusted hubs by the community. Libraries continue to be essential hubs for: 

• Accessing support in a safe, reliable environment 

• Seasonal warm and cool spaces 

• Building digital confidence through weekly, free drop-in sessions 

• Bridging the digital divide by supporting residents using library computers or their own devices 

These strengths make libraries especially well-suited for distributing SIM cards and providing wraparound digital help. 

Celebrating local Digital Inclusion work 

Beverley Williams highlighted the library’s long-standing community offer, including: 

• The Thursday afternoon IT drop-in, which sees ad-hoc digital queries from local residents.  

• The Grand Day Out group for older residents, running every Friday for over a decade with a regular group of attendees. 

Beverley shared her experience of being a trusted digital guide for the community, going above and beyond during lockdown to provide one-to-one support with mobile phones. She inspired us all with her love for her role at the library and even said ‘it’s the best job in the world!”.  Beverley’s insights reinforced how essential long-term, relationship-based support is for residents developing digital confidence. 

Looking ahead: Improved SIM Distribution & Digital Inclusion projects  

Good Things Foundation shared updates on their forthcoming improvements to SIM card distribution processes, which will become more streamlined and digitised throughout the year – welcome news given the ongoing demand. 

The group also explored wider projects of the MCC Digital Inclusion team, including: 

• AI Train-the-Trainer sessions for VCFSE organisations 

• Collaboration with Age Friendly Manchester and Making Manchester Fairer in a device gifting scheme for over 55’s 

• Get Online Week collaboration with the NHS, and the ongoing mapping and promotion of NHS app support 

A visit that sparked inspiration 

Reflecting on the visit, Sital Mistry Lee shared: 

“It was great to hear more about the digital inclusion work happening across Manchester and the impact you’re having on residents. Vicki and I left feeling inspired and motivated”. 

The visit reaffirmed the deep value of Chorlton Library’s work and the powerful partnership between Manchester’s libraries and Good Things Foundation. Together, we continue to promote digital inclusion, improve access, and support residents throughout the community.