What is DUS
Digital Urgent Support (DUS) helps organisations support people experiencing digital exclusion, difficulty accessing online services, or urgent digital barriers. We work alongside community organisations to provide practical, in-person digital support.
Become a DUS PartnerWhat DUS provides
Digital Crisis Support
Support with benefits, housing, employment, health and other essential online services.
Digital Support Officers
Book a trained Digital Support Officer to attend your venue or session.
Wellbeing Support
Practical guidance and digital wellbeing support during periods of stress or vulnerability.
Safe Referrals
Clear referral routes, signposting and safeguarding escalation when required.
How the partnership works
Step 1
Submit a Partnership Request Form.
Step 2
MCE Trust reviews your application.
Step 3
Attend a short onboarding meeting.
Step 4
Start requesting DUS support for your organisation and community.
Partnership benefits
What Partners Can Expect
We work collaboratively with community organisations, charities, support groups and local services to ensure Digital Urgent Support is accessible where it is needed most. Our aim is to make partnership simple, responsive and community-focused.
Dedicated Digital Support
Access trained Digital Support Officers who can provide practical, face-to-face assistance for people experiencing digital barriers.
Flexible Community Delivery
Sessions can be delivered within your existing services, including drop-ins, wellbeing activities, outreach projects and community events.
Trusted Referral Pathway
A clear and secure route for connecting people with urgent digital support when they need it most.
Collaborative Working
Ongoing communication, partnership development and opportunities to identify emerging needs within your community.
Where DUS can be delivered
Community Groups
Drop-ins, warm spaces and local support sessions.
Outreach Activities
Events and community engagement sessions.
Wellbeing Hubs
Partner-led wellbeing and support services.
Crisis Prevention
Early intervention and digital support before problems escalate.
Free to Partner
There is currently no cost to become a Digital Urgent Support (DUS) partner organisation. Through grant funding and community investment, MCE Trust can provide Digital Support Officer sessions, referral pathways and partnership support without charging partner organisations.
No Membership Fees
There are no registration fees, subscription costs or partnership charges to access DUS services.
Community Focused
DUS is designed to support local communities and improve access to essential digital services during times of need.
Delivered Responsibly
To protect everyone involved, organisations must demonstrate appropriate governance and safeguarding standards before a partnership can be approved.
Subject to Capacity
Partnership requests are assessed based on project capacity, geographical coverage, funding restrictions and community need.
Partner Requirements
To become an approved DUS partner, organisations may be asked to provide evidence of appropriate policies, procedures and organisational safeguards. Depending on the type of organisation and service delivered, this may include:
- Public Liability Insurance.
- Employer's Liability Insurance (where applicable).
- A Safeguarding Policy.
- Health and Safety arrangements.
- Equality and Diversity commitments.
- Appropriate data protection and confidentiality procedures.
- A suitable venue and safe environment for support sessions.
Approval is at the discretion of MCE Trust and may be subject to review, onboarding discussions and ongoing compliance with partnership expectations.
Important Info.
The partnership request form is for organisations only. Please do not include personal information about individuals or use the form to request emergency support.
Partner organisations remain responsible for their own safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection responsibilities.
Why Digital Crisis Prevention Matters
More services than ever before are only available online. Benefits, housing applications, healthcare services, debt support and many essential tasks now require people to complete digital forms, upload documents and manage online accounts.
Digital Exclusion Creates Real Crisis
For many people, digital systems are difficult to access or understand. A missed deadline or incomplete online application can lead to loss of income, housing issues, missed appointments and increased financial hardship.
People Fall Through the Gaps
Residents experiencing poverty, language barriers, low digital confidence or personal crisis are often unable to access support simply because services expect them to be online.
Early Help Prevents Bigger Problems
Providing practical support at the right time can prevent situations from escalating into debt, homelessness, benefit sanctions or long-term exclusion.
Support in Trusted Places
By working alongside community organisations and local partners, support can be delivered where people already feel comfortable seeking help.
Digital Crisis Prevention (DCP) was created to provide rapid one-to-one digital support when it matters most. Whether someone is trying to access benefits, submit evidence, bid for housing, register for NHS services or complete another essential online task, the project helps people overcome digital barriers before they become life-changing problems.
Our goal is simple: nobody should lose access to opportunities, support or essential services because they cannot navigate a digital system. DCP helps people stay connected, informed and supported during moments of vulnerability.
Areas We Cover
Digital Urgent Support currently operates across Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Thornaby. Through community partnerships and outreach delivery, we bring practical digital support directly into local neighbourhoods and trusted community spaces.
M'brough
Supporting residents through community organisations, wellbeing hubs, support groups and local outreach activities.
Stockton
Working alongside partner organisations to help people access essential online services and overcome digital barriers.
Thornaby
Delivering flexible digital support through community venues, drop-ins and local partnership projects.
Partner Venues
DUS can be delivered within community centres, warm spaces, wellbeing services, foodbanks, support groups and other trusted local settings.
Ready to Work Together?
If your organisation supports people who may benefit from digital crisis support, wellbeing triage or digital inclusion services, we'd love to hear from you.
Start Your Partnership Request
