Helping to level the digital divide

Millennium Community Solutions (MCS) is a community interest company in South London whose vision is to end the inequality of digital online access.

Our Vision

End the inequality of digital and online access for everyone in our communities.

Our Mission

Empower individuals to thrive in the digital age through accessible technology and education.

Our Impact

Improve daily living, independence, skills and employability for all community members.

Many families in the UK are still struggling to recover from the pandemic and now facing rising living costs. The unemployed, elderly or individuals with special needs or disabilities are also being left behind without access to digital & online technology. We believe everyone should have the chance to be part of the digital world, and we're committed to making digital inclusion possible for all.

Vision

Millennium Community Solutions (MCS) presents a transformative vision to bridge the digital divide and aims to ensure that every resident in the borough has access to the devices, skills, and connectivity needed to thrive in the digital age. MCS believes that by empowering residents, regardless of age or ability, fostering digital literacy, and providing affordable connectivity options, we can develop innovative solutions that leaves no one behind in the digital revolution.

About us

Rev Gail Thompson

DipMin, BTh (Hons), MTh

Founder / CEO

Revd. Gail Thompson is the Disability Chaplain at SOAS University., Ambassador for World Vision children's charity and Digital Poverty Alliance, and is a long-time member and ordained Christian minister of C.I.C. International (Churches in Communities). She also serves on the Lambeth VCS Property Panel & Southwark inclusivity panel.

Gail spent 20 years as a professional and world class conductor, saxophonist, clarinetist and flautist. As well as touring, composing and conducting her own 23-strong big band, she has world tours, concerts and countless solo appearances under her creative belt. She has played iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre and the Royal Festival Hall, and alongside such luminaries as Art Blakey, Charlie Watts and the Jazz Warriors. Gail achieved all of the above before she turned 30 – her future was incredibly bright and she was making great strides in her music career. At the desperately young age of 29 she was diagnosed with Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) – however this did not dampen her motivation.

Music is part of who Gail is, and after her diagnosis she founded and established Musicworks, one of Lambeth's most prominent community music schools. Based in Brixton, Musicworks boasted over 3,000 students. Gail also organised many jazz festivals through her promotion company Frontline Productions. She was later Managing Director of the Mick Jagger project National Music Day, where 1,500 musical events were registered and took place throughout Britain for one day each year. Gail also started arranging and scoring music for big bands and writing scores for television, she also made TV appearances and presented shows for the BBC, Jazz Week and BBC’s Black London. At the age of 43 she was called into ministry and studied at both Ambassadors College and Spurgeon's College in London. She obtained her ministerial qualifications of Diploma in Theology for Ministry, Bachelor (Hons) and Masters Degree in Theology and Fine Arts (DipMin, BTh (Hons), MTh). She is now studying for her PhD, and will be releasing her autobiography Black Foot Forward in late 2026.

The call to serve her community is evident in everything Gail has put her mind to. She established Millennium Community Solutions CIC for that very reason, having in the past served as a Governor of St Thomas's and Guy's Hospital, a member of the Arts Council of Great Britain and various other funding bodies and local borough councils for many years. Gail is currently an ambassador for international children's charity World Vision UK, and has run many community projects in Lambeth such as sheltered housing schemes, disability day care centres, nursery schools reading programmes and much more. Now 67, Gail continues to be a tireless committed individual who is well equipped to deal with the day-to-day running of and fundraising for any community endeavour.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP

Patron

As a champion for digital inclusion, MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has been a steadfast supporter of our mission to ensure everyone has access to the digital world where, post-pandemic and with rising living costs, many families in the UK continue to struggle, with the elderly and those with disabilities being disproportionately left behind without access to vital online technology.

Directors, coordinators & advisory board members

Rev Isaac Danso – Director

Director Nick Awde – Director & treasurer, policy & publications

Isabel Appio – Disability project coordinator/advisory board member

Océane Amoa – Young persons' events coordinator/ advisory board member

Patrick White – Advisory board member

Dr Alifa Isaacs-Itua – Health & wellbeing

Adam Matich – Fundraising & policy

Myles Pilling – Advisory board member

MCS impact

Assistive technology awareness & advocacy

Raising voices

Advocating for greater recognition of assistive technology needs in communities.

Educational outreach

Informing organisations and individuals about available assistive solutions.

Policy influence

Working with stakeholders to improve accessibility standards and regulations.

Assistive Technology Centre

Technology is now a big part of our daily lives, influencing how we learn, work, and stay connected. However, while many people benefit from the digital world, others are being left behind. Some struggle to afford internet access, lack the right devices, or do not have the skills to use technology confidently. This gap creates real challenges, making it harder to find jobs, access services, or save money through online deals. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital opportunities while still having access to offline support if needed. To achieve this, we are taking action in Lambeth.

Millennium Community Solutions (MCS), founded by wheelchair user Gail Thompson, is proud to announce the launch of a pioneering new facility. In partnership with Lambeth Council, MCS unveiled the Assistive Technology Assessment Library in May 2025.

This groundbreaking initiative empowers individuals with cognitive, hearing, visual or physical challenges to confidently use assistive technology and improve digital access.

This isn’t just about tech – it’s about people. It’s about helping individuals who are often left out of the digital world feel seen, supported and empowered. Whether you’re living with a visual, hearing or physical impairment or just feeling unsure about where to start with computers – we’re here for you.

Perhaps you’ve never used the internet, perhaps you’ve tried but found it confusing. Or maybe you just need a bit of support filling in an online form or booking a doctor’s appointment. Whatever your situation, we’ve got your back.

We have laptops, tablets and patient, friendly people ready to help. No pressure. No tech jargon. Just a warm, welcoming space where you can learn at your own pace.

Assistive technology can truly change lives. It can help you manage your benefits, stay on top of healthcare, apply for a Blue Badge, or simply keep in touch with loved ones.

So if you, or someone you care about, could benefit from a little digital support, come and see us. Have a chat, ask questions, and find out what’s possible.

For a personal assessment please apply here:

For referrals from external agencies please apply here:

Empowering through the Assistive Technology Guide

MCS has released a groundbreaking 245-page guide to the world of Digital Assistive Technology (ATech).

This comprehensive resource has already found its way into the hands of 140 libraries and 40 JobCentre Plus locations across London.

Packed with insights on the latest ATech innovations, the guide is a game-changer for those seeking to navigate the digital landscape.

"This is an extraordinary book that has the power to change lives."
- Emma Weston, CEO Digital Unite

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE GUIDE

Assistive technology assessments

Our comprehensive assessment process helps individuals with disabilities to identify and implement the right technological solutions to enhance independence, productivity and quality of life.

Personalised evaluations

Tailored assessments to identify the right assistive technologies for individual needs, conducted by certified specialists who consider physical abilities, cognitive skills, sensory requirements and daily routines.

• Bespoke one-on-one consultations in safe & comfortable settings

• Evidence-based assessment tools and methodologies

• Inclusive approach accounting for all types of disabilities.

Skill development

Training to effectively use assistive technologies for improved quality of life, with ongoing support to ensure successful adoption and integration into daily routines.

• Individual and group training sessions

• Remote assistance for troubleshooting

• Regular follow-ups to assess effectiveness

• Completion of Blue Badge, pension or benefit forms on-site.

Daily living support

Practical solutions to enhance independence in everyday activities, from smart home technology to specialised adaptive equipment for personal care and mobility.

• Home environment assessments and recommendations

• Workplace accommodation evaluations

• Customised technology packages for maximum independence

• Phone assessments available.

Technology matching

Expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate devices and software from the vast array of available options, ensuring compatibility with existing systems and future needs.

• Access to latest assistive technology developments

• Cost-benefit analysis of different solutions

• Consideration of funding options and resources.

Ongoing support

Continuous assistance beyond initial assessment, including regular reassessments as needs change, technology updates and adaptation strategies for evolving circumstances.

• Scheduled review sessions

• Technical support helpline

• Community of practice for peer learning.

Our assessments are conducted by a multidisciplinary team of occupational therapists, speech and language specialists, and assistive technology experts, ensuring a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of an individual's needs and goals.

Case study 1: "I have been in need of a wheelchair for some time now and had to wait another four months before I received one. Within an hour of talking to Millennium Community Solutions I was provided with a brand new wheelchair."

Case study 2: "I have not been able to gain unemployment due to my special needs. I have been visiting Streatham JobCentre plus for over 14 months. Millennium Community Solutions was visiting the JobCentre here they assessed my digital needs and were able to seek out the tech I needed. They then asked me to work part-time for them. I am stll there. Thanks Millennium."

Accessible building use guidance

Staff training

Educating building personnel on accessibility features and inclusive practices.

User resources

Creating accessible guides and materials for building visitors and occupants.

Ongoing support

Providing continued consultation to maintain and improve accessibility standards.

Accessible building audits

Comprehensive access assessment through evaluation of buildings against accessibility standards and best practices.

So far Lambeth buildings that house VCS organisations have been audited include:

• Pedlars Hall Kennington

• Clarewood Walk, Southwyck Estate

• Southwyck TRA Hall

• TLS Boxing Club, Wandsworth

• Brixton Domino Club

• Angell Town refurb.

Detailed Reporting: Clear documentation of findings with specific improvement recommendations.

Implementation Planning: Strategic guidance for prioritising and executing accessibility modifications.

MCS – closing the digital divide

At Millennium Community Solutions, we have taken real steps to close the digital divide and support underserved communities. Many families in the UK are still struggling to recover from the pandemic, now facing rising living costs. The unemployed, elderly or individuals with special needs or disabilities are also being left behind without access to digital and online technology.

We believe everyone should have the chance to be part of the digital world, and we are committed to making digital inclusion possible for all. Our mission is to bridge the gap and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Empowering communities through digital inclusion

Education and skills development

Taught coding to over 3000 children and delivered training to 200 women. Transformed 6 Lambeth TRA Halls into vibrant community coding hubs.

Support for disabled job seekers

Partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to empower individuals with job search assistance, skills assessments and access to assistive technology.

Bridging the digital divide

Donated 500 smartphones, 400 laptops and 150 desktop computers to families and community members in need of digital access.

Training employment

Three of our AQA certified students in Python coding have been employed by MCS.

Funding from Lambeth Changing Lives

We are currently training 35 women between the ages of 18-60. 6% of these trainees will be employed by MCS.

Community impact

With over 6,000 hours of volunteer service, we're not just delivering tech, we're delivering opportunities to build a more connected, inclusive future.

Strengthening community infrastructure

Refurbished 6 Lambeth community spaces to improve accessibility and make them tech-ready for learning and support.

Inclusivity

Started a unique service with Lambeth Council to audit/monitor and advise community organisations on their building access. Six buildings have been made accessible since the start of service.

Digital divide facts

Digital inequality remains a critical issue across the UK, creating barriers to opportunity and inclusion.

Connectivity Gap

Over 1.5 million UK households still lack internet access, primarily affecting low-income communities.

Device Accessibility

11% of households with children do not have adequate devices for educational needs.

Age Divide

42% of people over 75 remain offline, missing essential services and social connections.

Employment Impact

82% of jobs require digital skills, leaving the digitally excluded at severe disadvantage.