Digital You CIC was created from a simple belief: everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from the digital world, regardless of their circumstances.
Born in the North East, founder Sharon Sanders has spent much of her career helping organisations navigate change and transformation. Over time, she saw first-hand how digital exclusion was becoming an increasing challenge for organisations and communities alike.
At the same time, she saw countless examples of organisations doing incredible work to support people, often without the resources, partnerships or support needed to maximise their impact.
Our focus is on helping organisations strengthen what they already do, connect with others, share learning and develop practical approaches that improve outcomes for the people and communities they serve.
Digital You was established to help bridge that gap.
We believe digital inclusion should be built into services rather than added on afterwards.
We believe communities already hold many of the solutions to the challenges they face.
We believe partnership working achieves more than organisations working in isolation.
We believe sustainable change is more valuable than short-term interventions.
Most importantly, we believe digital inclusion is not a solo sport.
Lasting change happens when organisations, communities and partners work together to create support that is accessible, trusted and rooted in local needs.
The principles behind every conversation, partnership and piece of work.
Honest conversations build trust.
We believe in being open about challenges, opportunities and what it takes to create meaningful change. We work collaboratively, communicate clearly and build relationships based on trust, respect and transparency.
Technology should work for people, not the other way around.
Digital inclusion is ultimately about people. We focus on understanding the needs, experiences and strengths of the people and communities that organisations support, ensuring that digital solutions remain accessible, relevant and inclusive.
Delivering what communities need.
We believe lasting change happens when organisations build on the strengths, knowledge and relationships that already exist within communities. Our role is often to help unlock, connect and strengthen those assets.
Digital inclusion is not a solo sport.
We believe the best outcomes happen when organisations, communities, businesses and funders work together around a shared purpose. We are committed to building partnerships, sharing learning and connecting people and opportunities to create stronger and more sustainable support for communities.
Turning good intentions into meaningful action.
We know organisations are under pressure and need approaches that work in the real world. We focus on practical solutions, achievable improvements and sustainable approaches that can be embedded into everyday service delivery.
Building for the long term.
We are interested in what happens after a project ends or funding runs out. We help organisations develop approaches that build resilience, strengthen local capability and continue delivering value over time.
A small, experienced team rooted in the North East and driven by a shared belief that no one should be left behind as the world becomes increasingly digital.
Sharon created Digital You CIC because she believes digital inclusion should not be treated as a standalone project. It should be part of how organisations design services, support communities and respond to an increasingly digital world.
Born in the North East, Sharon is passionate about giving something back to the communities that shaped her. Digital You was established to help organisations across the region strengthen digital inclusion and ensure people are not excluded from opportunities because they lack access, skills or confidence.
Over the last 20 years, Sharon has worked with organisations navigating change and transformation across local government, health and community settings. In recent years, she has focused on designing and leading digital inclusion initiatives that bring together partners, communities and organisations to develop practical approaches that improve access, build confidence and create lasting impact.
Sharon believes digital inclusion is not a solo sport. Her approach focuses on helping organisations strengthen what they already do, build partnerships and create sustainable solutions that continue to support communities long after individual projects have ended.
A regular speaker at sector events and conferences, Sharon enjoys bringing people together around a shared purpose and turning good intentions into practical action.
Ayisha believes that when we talk about serving our communities, the communities themselves must have a seat at the digital inclusion table. For her, the most meaningful and lasting change happens when services are co-designed and co-produced with the people they are intended to support.
Having lived in the North East for the past 11 years, Ayisha is deeply rooted in the community and passionate about helping people thrive. Through Digital You CIC, she is committed to ensuring that digital inclusion is not simply about access to technology, but about creating opportunities for people to shape the services and support that impact their lives.
Over the past 17 years, Ayisha has built a diverse career spanning community development, journalism, crowdfunding, fundraising, mental health advocacy, victim support services, psychological services and digital inclusion. This breadth of experience has strengthened her belief in creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel heard, valued and empowered. She believes that services should meet people where they are rather than where they are expected to be.
Ayisha is particularly passionate about the role digital inclusion plays in reducing inequalities, especially in relation to health and wellbeing. She has contributed to digital inclusion initiatives across West Yorkshire and is excited to bring that knowledge and experience to support communities across the North East.
Ayisha believes that digital inclusion is built through collaboration. Her approach focuses on listening to communities, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that lived experience shapes practical solutions that create long-term impact for the people who need them most.
Because digital inclusion is not a solo sport, and meaningful change often starts with a conversation.
