As of 01^st July, two Digital Support NonProfits will be merging, with the aim of empowering their missions to digitally support isolated people around the country.

Citizens Online has been operating since 2000, helping numerous organisation over that time with the inclusivity of their digital programmes.

AbilityNet was formed even earlier, way back in 1985, and has always focussed on helping disabled and elderly people benefit from emerging technologies… at home, in their education and in the workplace.

The merger is occurring as both charities have commented to say they share the common goal of bridging the digital inclusion gap and improving lives through technology.  

By combing “resources, expertise and passion” the joint venture hopes to achieve even more impressive results for their mission of digital inclusion.

Citizens Online’s website: https://www.citizensonline.org.uk/ has commented to say it’s website will remain live for the foreseeable, but that all joint activities would take place under the AbilityNet brand.

“By combining our two organisations, we aim to distil the best of Citizens Online and AbilityNet’s knowledge and resources to help our beneficiaries. This should also make us more efficient, improving the offer to our supporters and customers. There are substantial synergies between the two charities; each has a volunteer model; provides external digital training courses; distributes digital devices to community organisations; and both charities work closely to support older users.”

Gary Moore – Chief Executive, AbilityNet,

“AbilityNet was a “like-minded organisation” to further the mission of the charity. I am immensely proud of what the charity has achieved in the last quarter-century and look forward to the continued growth of this impact within the AbilityNet family. I am confident that this move will secure and expand the future for our work.”

Hugo Drayton – Chair of Citizens Online