The Manchester Digital Collective was created in late 2019 byt Manchester's oldest homelessness charity, Lifeshare, to tackle digital exclusion. It was clear that the marginalised population of the city needed access to digital as a basic human right and this has only be come more clear as time has progressed with the impact of the pandemic in early 2020 proving that technology is a necessity.

Powered by Lifeshare, MDC aims to tackle digital exclusion by collaborating with partner organisations to focus on four core elements:

Awareness - highlighting awareness of the issue of digital exclusion and its implications: social isolation; barrier to work, education and financial support.
Digital Skills - the MDC has a learning platform with 20+ courses aimed at community groups beginning their online journey.
Data - the MDC signposts community groups to free, accessible Wi-Fi zones around Manchester to tackle data poverty.
Devices - the MDC runs a scheme where community groups and organisations donate unused devices, for reconditioning and distribution to those who need to bridge the digital divide.