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In this first ever edition of the #CovConnects Newsletter, we cover a range of exciting topics that revolve around all things digital!
In this month's issue:
Recently we saw the launch of the #CovConnects Device Bank, a new programme to help further reduce the digital divide in Coventry.
The #CovConnects Device Bank allows organisations in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to apply to receive digital devices, enabling digital inclusion city wide.
Devices such as laptops and smartphones are available via the #CovConnects device bank, with the majority of the stock being ex-council refurbished laptops.
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The #CovConnects Device Bank - Connected Services
The #CovConnects Device Bank has received a donation of approximately 2000 digital devices from the West Midland's Combined Authority's Connected Services programme. The devices have a collective value of £616,000 and include laptops, Chromebooks, high-end gaming PC's and Mi-Fi Connectivity Dongles.
The Devices will be distributed via the #CovConnects Device Bank to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations in specific communities across the city.
Information on eligible residents and communities can be found on an article on the #CovConnects news page.
To aid in digital inclusion activities across Coventry, VCSE organisations can access a number of funding opportunities.
#CovConnects Device Bank
Currently, organisations can apply to receive a maximum of 20 devices consisting of laptops, Chromebooks and Mi-Fi Dongles.
To learn more about the #CovConnects Device Bank, visit the #CovConnects webpage.
Good Things Foundation - National Databank
The National Databank provides free mobile data, texts and calls to people at risk of digital exclusion via Good Things Foundation's network of local community partners.
Community organisations can apply for free to access the National Databank, further enabling digital inclusion in Coventry by becoming a distributor of National Databank SIM Cards and Vouchers.
The Fat Beehive Foundation
Up to £2,500
This funding is intended to support the creation of websites or digital products that empower small charities (with an annual average income of less than £400,000) to perform their work in a more efficient and effective way.
In 2023/24, priority will be given to projects in the following areas during the appropriate application period:
- Application Period 3: Equality and Diversity - Deadline - 29 September 2023 (5pm)
- Application Period 4: Arts and Culture - Deadline - 5 January 2024 (5pm)
The focus of the funding is purely on 'hard-to-fund' digital expenditures that other funders often will not cover.
Find out more on the Fat Beehive Foundation's website.
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Citizen Local Fund
Deadline - 5pm Thursday 31st of August
"Citizen Housing offer grants of up to £3,000 to fund groups, projects and initiatives to support the wellbeing of people in our communities."
No application is too big or small - you can apply for £50 or £3,000, the choice is yours.
The aim of the fund is to support residents and communities to thrive. Citizen Housing support ideas and projects that promote mental and physical wellbeing, reduce social isolation, bring communities together and enhance local areas.
Learn more about the Citizen Local Fund on Citizen Housing's website.
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The Older People's Digital Inclusion Network is a space for organisations who support older people in Coventry, #CovConnects hosts quarterly virtual meetings where organisations can share updates and scope goals as a network to tackle barriers to digital inclusion that older people face in their day-to-day lives.
If your organisation would like to attend future Older Adults Digital Inclusion Network meetings, please get in touch via: CovConnectsDigital@coventry.gov.uk
The Homelessness Digital Inclusion Network acts as a space for organisations within Coventry who support people experiencing homelessness. Similar to the Older Adults Digital Inclusion Network, meetings at the Homelessness Digital Inclusion meetings occur quarterly and allow for organisations to share their digital inclusion activities that support people experiencing homelessness.
Creating a space for organisations in Coventry to network and share best practice is incredibly important in regard to digital inclusion as it's such a growing and developing field.
The next Homelessness Digital Inclusion Network meeting is set to be held on 20 September at 2pm, if your organisation would like to attend this meeting, please get in touch via: CovConnectsDigital@coventry.gov.uk.
Recently, #CovConnects appointed three Digital Inclusion Coordinators, with a growing team, #CovConnects are better equipped to tackle digital exclusion and digital poverty in Coventry.
We want to further our reach in assisting organisations to provide digital inclusion activities to the residents of Coventry and through expanding #CovConnects as a team we can do this more efficiently and effectively.
Set to start in August, in partnership with the newly established Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub, #CovConnects are going to be holding monthly workshops at the Dementia Hub.
The first #CovConnects workshop to take place at the Dementia Partnership Hub will focus on opening up a conversation about digital technology and demonstrating the different ways that apps can improve your relationship with the digital world!
To find out more, visit the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub's webpage.
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Online Centres Network training
There are various dates on the Online Centres Network website, where you can find out more about the different upcoming opportunities and access previous recordings of Webinars.
Good Things Foundation Campaigns
Good Things Foundation seek to showcase the amazing digital inclusion services that your organisation offers, they aim for their campaigns to enable more people to raise their quality of life through digital.
If your Digital Inclusion Hub wishes to be featured in their campaign to launch the next generation of the Learn My Way website, contact Good Things Foundation, they're eager to hear any insights, feedback or news.
Get Online Week
12 - 22 October
Good Things Foundation's annual digital inclusion campaign is back this year, they're calling for digital inclusion hubs to hold events in order to support local communities. You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest information.
Webinars from AbilityNet
AbilityNet are a pioneering UK Charity that believe the power of digital technology should be available to everyone, regardless of ability or age.
AbilityNet run free webinars on a range of topics of relevance to disabled people. Their library of recordings is free to access and contains useful information for disabled people, their colleagues, families, friends and the professionals who support them.
View upcoming and previous webinars on the AbilityNet Website.
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