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Here are some of the things that the 100% Digital Leeds team have been working on over the past month.
You can find out more about our work on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Tech sector support and Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership
100% Digital Leeds is working with colleagues from Leeds Community Foundation, Voluntary Action Leeds, Forum Central, and the city’s tech sector to increase the capacity of community organisations and support businesses to implement their Corporate Social Responsibility offers and feel connected to the city.
Initiatives include Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership, which fosters cross-sector partnerships that help the city’s third sector organisations benefit from the digital skills and capacity of the tech sector, and to enable tech businesses and their employees to gain new skills, experience, and a sense of community through work with not-for-profit organisations.
Read more about the Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
The initiative also aims to increase tech sector representation on third sector boards through digital trustees - a volunteer with experience in digital who sits on the board of a third sector organisation. They provide guidance to the organisation around how they can best make use of digital as well as insight into best digital practices, allowing the digital infrastructure of charities to be properly embedded across their work. Sign up for the Digital Trustees Matchmaking Event via Zoom.
Multiply update
100% Digital Leeds is working with Leeds City Council’s Employment and Skills team and third sector partners to support communities hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis. ‘Multiply’ is a government-funded scheme to improve adult functional numeracy skills. Read more about Multiply on the 100% Digital Inclusion website.
Inside the Muslim community group bridging the digital divide
In the UK, more than 10 million people, many of them from ethnic minorities, lack basic digital skills. Since September, Hamara along with four other delivery partners has delivered the Be Online Stay Safe (BOSS) project, an online safety programme which aims to overcome the digital divide for older people in diverse communities. Read more about how the project is supporting local communities and specifically members of the South Asian community on the Hyphen website.
Lippy People and digital storytelling
Lippy People is an advocacy charity that uses video storytelling to help people to share their often challenging lived experiences with a wider audience. They help people use their experiences as a foundation for building their skills and resilience to affect positive personal and social change. Read the full Lippy People article on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Arts in Care Digital Programme 2023 evaluation and reflections
100% Digital Leeds is working with the Leeds care sector to improve digital inclusion for staff and residents. In September 2023 the 100% Digital Leeds team worked with the care and arts sectors to curate a programme of free online arts and cultural activities aimed at care settings, as part of the National Day of Arts in Care Homes. Read about the Arts in Care Digital Programme 2023 on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Partner profile
Each month we will profile one of our delivery partners, showcasing their excellent work and giving examples of how they have integrated digital inclusion into their services.
Slate Leeds
Events and training
Details of this month's upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities.
Are you supporting users with English as a second language?
Samantha Haggart from Leeds Older People’s Forum, alongside 100% Digital Leeds, is offering a session around the use of Google translate for tips and tricks on how to maximise the tool for communication purposes.
To register interest in the Google Translate session please email the LCP Development team.
Person-centred approaches to reduce social barriers for older people
22 February, 10.00am - 11.30am, online
Ageing Better partners identified a number of barriers that stopped older people engaging with activities aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation - from the purely practical to the psychological. This webinar will help you to think about these barriers and practical ways you might approach removing them. Book onto Person-centred approaches to reduce social barriers for older people on Eventbrite.
Putting skills on show - reverse job fair
Spring 2024, venue tbc
Forum Central are planning to hold a reverse job fair at a community venue this spring. The fair, where job seekers with learning disabilities showcase what they can offer, instead of employers, aims to shift the balance of power in the employment market. Employers will have a chance to see the whole person, rather than just a CV. For more information about the fair please read the article on the Community Living website.
Training and networking opportunities from Good Things Foundation
Good Things Foundation have a series of training and networking opportunities to support organisations in their digital inclusion offer. To attend, organisations need to be a member of their National Digital Inclusion Network. The network is free to join.
Booking for all Good Things Foundation's training and networks can be found on their Eventbrite page.
National Databank Q&A session
6 February, 10.00am - 11am, online
This session is for organisation who are not yet part of the National Databank. Good Things Foundation will introduce the National Databank and other services and benefits of the National Digital Inclusion Network. Book onto National Databank Q&A session on Eventbrite.
Scams awareness - keeping your money safe online
8 February, 1.00pm - 2.00pm, online
This free and impartial presentation from the Natwest community banking team covers current and emerging fraud and scams, how to keep yourself and friends & family safe, how to report and more. Book onto Scams awareness - keeping your money safe online on Eventbrite.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) 2024/27 Q&A session
16 February, 11.30am - 12.30pm, online
Good Things Foundation are working with HMRC to deliver a 3 year programme which aims to help 12,000 individuals who need extra help in understanding and complying with their tax obligations and claiming their entitlements, including those who are digitally excluded. This is an opportunity from the National Digital Inclusion Network to come along and ask any questions about the new HMRC grant funding. Book onto the HMRC Q&A session on Eventbrite.
Introducing Learn My Way
19 February, 1.00pm - 2.00pm, online
In this session from Good Thing Foundation's National Digital Inclusion Network find out about Learn My Way, its key features, and how you can use it to support people to learn essential digital skills. Book onto Introducing Learn My Way on Eventbrite.
Managing a digital champions programme
20 February, 10.00am - 12.00 noon, online
This event will introduce Volunteer Manager Hilary, who will invite ambassador hubs to draw on their experience of running digital champions programmes in very different settings. Book onto Managing a digital champions programme on Eventbrite.
Digital switchover - what you need to know
26 February, 2.00pm - 3.00pm, online
Join this session to find out what the digital switchover means for you and the people you support, and how the team from BT / EE are supporting customers through the switchover. Book onto Digital switchover - what you need to know on Eventbrite.
Recruiting and retaining volunteers
27 February, 10.00am - 11.00am, online
This session will help you to identify, recruit, and retain volunteers to your organisation. Book onto recruiting and retaining volunteers on Eventbrite.
Funding
100% Digital Leeds are keen to support the development of any funding bids with a digital inclusion element, or to help you embed digital inclusion throughout your project. If you would like support contact us.
Some funding links will take you through to the Funding Leeds website and you will need to register to be able to access the information. Once you have registered for free you will have access to a national database of funding sources and get regular email updates on your funding area of interests.
Household Support Fund
This funding, administered by Forum Central, is for organisations to distribute to the people they support, particularly those in communities of interest including: culturally diverse groups, people with mental ill health (including young people), people with learning disabilities, physical or sensory impairments and older people.
Amount: £5000.
Deadline: 7 February.
More information and to apply: Household Support Fund Leeds - Cost of Living Grants - Forum Central
Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund
The funding is available to organisations that can help engage people and communities across Britain with information about how to get and use smart meters. It is especially aimed at projects that can reach those who may face barriers to getting a smart meter. In 2024, the target audience is people without essential digital skills, primarily those who are aged 75+.
Amount: £25,000.
Deadline: 9 February.
More information and to apply: Smart Energy GB in Communities Fund
Better Community Business Network Grant Initiative
Funding is intended to improve the quality of life and expectations of people and their communities, especially those who come from disadvantaged or socially deprived backgrounds.
Amount: £3000.
Deadline: 18 February.
More information and to apply: Better Community Business Network Grant Initiative
Boots Charitable Trust
Grants are available to registered charities working to benefit people in the UK in the areas of health, lifelong learning, community development and social care.
Amount: Grants of between £100 and £10,000 are available. Applications for larger amounts will be considered. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for smaller voluntary organisations whose income and expenditure is less than £5,000 per year and who are not yet required to register with the Charity Commission.
Deadline: 28 February.
More information and to apply: Boots Charitable Trust
Leeds Building Society Foundation
The funding is intended to support projects to improve the health, wellbeing and financial literacy of people who are experiencing homelessness.
Amount: Small grants of between £250 and £1,000 (organisation must have a turnover of less than £1 million). Large grants of between £25,000 and £100,000 (applications for large grants are only accepted from organisations with a turnover of £5 million or less who are based in or delivering work in Yorkshire and/or the North East of England). The grant can be a one year grant, or split across two or three years.
Deadline: The 2024 deadlines for applications are:
- 4 March for consideration at the 20 March 2024 meeting.
- 10 June for consideration at the 26 June 2024 meeting.
- 9 September for consideration at the 25 September 2024 meeting.
- 11 November for consideration at the 27 November 2024 meeting.
More information and to apply: Leeds Building Society Foundation
Bloomberg Philanthropies – Digital Accelerator Programme
This Programme aims to provide funding, expert technical assistance, and leadership development over two years to strengthen the digital infrastructure of not-for-profit cultural organisations, with the primary goals of growing revenue, increasing fundraising, engaging audiences, improving operations, and developing programme opportunities.
Amount: Grants of up to £150,000 covering two years are available.
Deadline: 13 March.
More information and to apply: Bloomberg Philanthropies – Digital Accelerator Programme
Hedley Foundation
The scheme is intended to support smaller charitable organisations undertaking projects for young people, the disabled, terminally ill patients and others in need. The main objective of the Trustees' grant-making is to improve lives and to lift people's aspirations.
Amount: Typically, grants of up to £5,000 are regularly made and occasional larger sums are given to charities where high impact can be achieved.
Deadline: 13 March.
More information and to apply: Hedley Foundation
Fat Beehive Foundation
Grants are available to small UK registered charities to help them improve their digital presence. The funding is intended to support the creation of websites or digital products that enable small charities to carry out their work in a more efficient and effective way, resulting in positive social benefit.
Amount: £2500.
Deadline: 29 March.
More information and to apply: Fat Beehive Foundation
Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation - Small Change Big Difference Fund
Grants to support registered charities and good causes in local communities across the UK to alleviate poverty, improve health and save lives.
Amount: £2500.
Deadline: 31 March.
More information and to apply: Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation - Small Change Big Difference Fund
The Access Foundation
The funding aims to tackle digital inequality, to help ensure that people from all backgrounds and walks of life have access to the same opportunities, funding projects that mitigate the digital divide by making computing facilities, support and/or learning available to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.
Amount: Grants of between £25,000 and £100,000 are generally available.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: The Access Foundation
Masonic Charitable Foundation – Later Life Inclusion Grants Programme
The grants programme offers both small and large grants to registered charities that support disadvantaged and vulnerable older people over 50 years of age in England and Wales.
Amount: £60,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Masonic Charitable Foundation – Later Life Inclusion Grants Programme
Barchester Healthcare Foundation
The aim of this fund is on connecting or re-connecting people with others in their local community. Applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged will receive highest priority.
Amount: Grants range from £100 to £2500.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Barchester Healthcare Foundation
Signposting
We collect digital skills opportunities available for you and the individuals you’re looking to support - perfect for signposting. To have your service included in our support pages so others can make use of or refer in to it contact us.
SIM gifting from Leeds Libraries
To support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, community hubs and libraries across Leeds have O2, Vodafone and Three mobile SIMs available with up to 6 months unlimited calls and texts plus data to help people stay in touch and get online.
People can be signposted to Central Library, Armley Community Hub and Library, Reginald Centre Community Hub and Library, Compton Centre Community Hub and Library, Dewsbury Road Community Hub and Library.
Contact details for all of the libraries in Leeds
Tablet lending from Leeds Libraries
Leeds Libraries can support community organisations’ digital inclusion programmes by lending iPads with data to be used with service users. Please email Leeds Libraries to express an interest.
iPads are also available for individuals to borrow at Armley Community Hub and Library, Compton Centre Community Hub and Library, Headingley Community Hub and Library, Holt Park Community Hub and Library, Hunslet Community Hub and Library, St George's Centre Community Hub and Library, Reginald Centre Community Hub and Library, Seacroft Community Hub and Library. People can be signposted to any of these sites to borrow an iPad for up to 8 weeks. Proof of address is required to borrow a device.
Contact details for all of the libraries in Leeds
Digital drop-ins at Leeds Libraries
Need help to use your tablet, smartphone or computer to try something new, say hello or get tech savvy? Every week there are several digital drop-ins at libraries around the city. Come along with your device or use a library PC and talk to friendly librarians who will help you get started. Find the dates and locations of the Digital Drop-ins on the Leeds Inspired website.
Tools and resources
Digital inclusion tools and resources to support you to embed digital inclusion within your organisation. If you would like to recommend a resource be added to our support pages so others can make use of or refer in to it contact us.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day takes place in February of each year to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, especially children and young people. This year it takes place on 6 February and you can find out more about the activities planned for Safer Internet Day 2024 on the Safer Internet Day website.
ConnectingU Device Scheme
AbilityNet has a digital device scheme in partnership with Lenovo, called ConnectingU. Digital devices and support are being made available to anyone struggling to access any digital service. Recipients must be UK-based and over the age of 50, or UK-based disabled people over 18 years of age. Find out more about the device scheme on the AbilityNet website.
Connectivity guidance from Good Things Foundation
Good Things Foundation have produced a connectivity guide for organisations who support people struggling to afford the internet, to understand and access social tariffs, free data, and options for free broadband for your community. See the connectivity guide on the Good Things Foundation website.
Help your community save money with social broadband tariffs
FasterBroadband have recently published a social broadband comparison tool to help raise awareness of social broadband tariffs. The tool aims to simplify the comparison of social broadband tariffs, allowing users to filter results by benefit type, contract length, and preferred provider. See the social broadband comparison tool on the FasterBroadband website.
Virgin Money brings the National Databank to all UK stores
Virgin Money and Good Things Foundation have teamed up to support millions of households facing digital exclusion across the UK by making all UK stores National Databanks. Good Things Foundation has also provided specialist training to the bank’s customer service colleagues to help them better identify and support individuals impacted by digital exclusion and signpost them to a nearby National Databank, whether it is a Virgin Money store or not. Read more about the partnership on the Good Things Foundation website.
Digital inclusion - help with 6 common challenges
This article from Catalyst is for anyone who wants to make their organisation’s digital services and content more welcoming and inclusive. It offers help with 6 situations that can lead to people being excluded. Visit the Catalyst website to read the full digital inclusion article.
Choosing a digital tool for your non-profit - how to avoid the nightmares
This guide helps you avoid common problems when choosing or commissioning a new digital tool or software. Giving you confidence to make a decision and signposting to step-by-step guides written for charities and other small organisations. Read the guide on the Catalyst website.
Making digital transformation transformative for people with learning disabilities
This report from the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) is the result of a year long project to consider how digital technology can transform the lives of people with learning disabilities. Read the full report on the SCLD website.
The 100% Digital Leeds team are keen to hear from any organisations delivering in Leeds to people who are more likely to be digitally excluded. We will work with you to help you better understand the digital inclusion needs of your communities and embed digital inclusion awareness, support, and signposting, throughout your service to make it as inclusive as possible. To find out more contact us.
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