Cosmic celebrates 30 years of bringing digital skills to Devon
A Devon-based organisation which has helped thousands of people gain confidence and skills in using digital technology is celebrating 30 years of work tackling digital exclusion, including in rural communities such as Dartmoor.
Community Interest Company Cosmic was founded in 1996, with the aim of improving access to emerging digital technology for people living in rural areas. It began when community and youth workers established the Centre for Ottery St Mary Internet Café, known as COSMIC.
The following year, its first internet café opened at The Station, offering public internet access, community workshops and drop-in support. The organisation also took its services on the road through a ‘Space Shuttle’, travelling across Devon and Somerset to provide access to technology and training.
Over the past three decades, Cosmic has helped more than 20,000 people, delivering in excess of 100,000 hours of digital support. A total of 163 people have been part of its team, including numerous apprentices who have helped develop the next generation of digital talent.
Its work has been particularly important in rural areas, where distance, limited access to services and a lack of confidence or equipment can make it harder for people to benefit from the digital world. Bringing digital skills and support to communities across Dartmoor and the wider Devon countryside remains part of the wider challenge of ensuring that everyone can access online services, communicate and take advantage of digital opportunities.
To mark its 30th anniversary, Cosmic invited customers, friends, partners and colleagues to a celebration at Escot House. Speakers included Sean Anstee, Director of Operations at Devon and Torbay Combined Authority, and Liz Williams, CEO of FutureDotNow and Chair at Good Things Foundation.
Cosmic chair Martin Davies CBE told the gathering that he was immensely proud of the organisation's achievements, particularly that it had remained true to its founding model and belief that everyone should be able to use digital skills to succeed.
Chief executive Julie Hawker MBE said: “This is a chance to look back with enormous pride on 30 years of success, impact, friendship and partnership. It is not just about looking back, however, as our 31st year starts now and we enter it at a challenging time”.
She added: “The economic and trading conditions we have experienced during 2026 have reinforced just how difficult the coming years could be for organisations like Cosmic. Our work to tackle digital exclusion remains as important as ever but sustaining that work requires strong partnerships and continued support.
“If anyone has an idea, a connection or an opportunity which could help shape our next chapter, I urge them to get in touch. We would love to have the conversation,” she said.
As it enters its fourth decade, Cosmic says its focus remains on making sure people, businesses and charities have the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world.