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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.
Digital Trustees
Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership is partnering with Third Sector Lab to pilot their Digital Trustees model in Leeds. Third Sector Lab is hosting an online matchmaking event to connect charities and professionals from tech, data, design, IT and other digital backgrounds.
Charities that recruit volunteers with digital skills to their board of trustees can tap into their expertise to develop effective digital strategies, enhance their digital presence, and ultimately achieve their goals more efficiently. Volunteering to support a charity as a digital trustee helps individuals develop their leadership skills, make a real impact on the future of a cause they care about, and feel connected to the city.
The event will take place online on 28 March, 10.00am – 11.30am. For more details and to book your place on the Digital trustees matchmaking event visit the Third Sector Lab website.
Bringing digital support to residents of tower blocks in LS9
100% Digital Leeds and The Old Fire Station are working with Housing Leeds and Space2 to deliver digital inclusion sessions from communal spaces of tower blocks in Gipton. The sessions are bringing digital support to the doorsteps of older residents with frailty and mobility issues in one of the most disadvantaged wards in the city.
Read more about 100% Digital Leeds bringing digital support to residents of tower blocks in LS9 on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
100% Digital Leeds - a path to digital inclusion
The 100% Digital Leeds programme works with partners across all sectors to tackle the barriers to digital inclusion in Leeds. Digital tools and technology are key ‘enablers’ to delivering a wide range of outcomes for people and communities across Leeds. But too many people in Leeds are digitally excluded, which means they are missing out on the benefits that come with being online. Read the full article on the Leeds Digital 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.
St Paul's Ireland Wood
Events and training
Details of this month's upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities.
Developing your digital strategy
4 March, 11.00am - 12.30pm, online
This interactive session will help you develop a clear vision of digital and what it can do for your organisation. The session will explore the key elements that underpin a digital strategy as well as looking at themes such as leadership, culture, data, cybersecurity, service design and flexible technology. Book onto Developing your digital strategy via Zoom.
Reverse jobs fair
4 March, 1.00pm - 4.00pm, Leeds Civic Hall
Forum Central are hosting a free reverse jobs fair as an opportunity for employers to meet with prospective employees in an informal way. This is a chance for jobseekers with a learning disability to showcase their skills and talents to a wide range of employers. The 100% Digital Leeds team will be there on the day speaking to employers and participants about video CVs and Leeds Libraries will be bringing technology that people can use on the day. Find out more about the reverse job fair on the Forum Central website.
Digital skills for small charities – website design
8 March, 10.00am - 12.00 noon, Stringer House LS10 2QW
Join this free session from Voluntary Action Leeds for advice on how to build your website as a non-profit organisation. Book onto Digital skills for small charities – website design via the Voluntary Action Leeds website.
Enhancing refugee lives through digital inclusion
13 March, 1.00pm, online
Join Moses Seitler, the Founder and CEO of Screen Share UK, the largest nationwide provider of tech to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, to discuss digital inclusion in the context of forced migration. Book onto Enhancing refugee lives through digital inclusion via Zoom.
Community Matters Funding Fair
18 - 20 March, online
Each funder has been allocated a 30 minute session to explain what funding they have and also how the application process works and answer any questions. You will need to book separately for each session you wish to attend. Yorkshire and Humber funders day is 18 March and national funders days are 19 and 20 March. Sign up to the Yorkshire and Humber funders day on the Community Matters website. Sign up to the national funders day on the Community Matters website.
Keeping small charities safe online
26 March, 1.00pm - 2.30pm, online
Do you know how to protect your organisation against hacking, phishing or other online risks? This training from Voluntary Action Leeds will help you to be aware of these risks, and teach you ways to prevent an attack on your systems. Book onto Keeping small charities safe online on the Voluntary Action Leeds website.
Digital Trustees matchmaking event
28 March, 10.00am - 11.30am, online
The Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership (LDVP) initiative 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. Through matchmaking events and sharing resources and experiences LDVP are making it easier than ever to connect charities and professionals from tech, data, design, IT and other digital backgrounds. Sign up to the Digital Trustees matchmaking event via Zoom.
All Digital Weeks 2024
13 - 31 May
All Digital Weeks is an annual digital inclusion and empowerment campaign run at libraries, community centres, schools and other venues across Europe. Every year it helps 100,000 Europeans to learn and be inspired by what technology can do for them. Find out more about the opportunities to get involved on the All Digital Weeks 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.
The new Digital Inclusion Network members area
Good Things Foundation have launched a brand new members’ area for the National Digital Inclusion Network. There will be a few new steps to access the site, once you are logged in you will be able to:
- Find information about free digital inclusion products and services you can use at your organisation
- Read the latest news about the Network, including stories from other hubs who are supporting people with digital inclusion
- Apply for funding opportunities from the new Fix The Digital Divide Fund
- Register for upcoming events and training, and watch on-demand recordings of past webinars
- Access over 100 resources with guidance on supporting different groups digitally
- View information about your learners’ progress on Learn My Way and/or who you have supported through the National Databank
Find the guide to accessing your network account on the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Safeguarding for digital champions
5 March, 10.00am - 11.00am, online
Good Things' volunteer manager will lead this session on how to approach safeguarding for digital champion volunteers that support people through sensitive online processes. Book onto safeguarding for digital champions via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Become a National Databank March Q&A
5 March, 10.00am - 11.00am, online
Good Things Foundation will introduce the National Databank and other services and benefits of the National Digital Inclusion Network. The session will involve a short presentation, and then time for your questions. Book onto the Databank session via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Staying safe online
12 March, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm, online
From online banking to shopping and protecting your accounts, accessing the internet is an important part of daily life, without these skills you can be left vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. Join this session to learn how to stay safe online, and how to ensure those you support stay safe too. Book onto Staying safe online via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Reaching people who aren't online
14 March, 11.00am - 12.00 noon, online
In this interactive session you'll hear how organisations have successfully reached and engaged digitally excluded people with tips to improve your reach, so that together we can support more people to get online. Book onto Reaching people who aren't online via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Introducing Learn My Way
18 March, 1.00pm - 2.00pm, online
Join this session to 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 via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Network meet-up - digital inclusion for older people
21 March, 11.00am - 12.00 noon, online
The network meet-ups are all about sharing great practice and useful resource. This session will provide a space for people from around the UK to connect with one another to talk about new ideas, common challenges and even opportunities for collaboration in digital inclusion for older people. Book onto the Network meet-up via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
AbilityNet - making devices and learning accessible
25 March, 10.00am - 11.00am, online
Get free expert accessibility advice from AbilityNet on how to support learners with access needs. Book onto the AbilityNet session via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Measuring impact - evaluating the difference your digital inclusion support makes
16 April, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm, online
An introduction to principles of impact evaluation for digital inclusion support, and ideas for how to use Good Things Foundation's resources to gather data about the impact of the support you’re providing. Book onto Measuring impact via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
The cloud - what it is and how to use it
19 April, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm, online
From storing photos to working on important documents remotely, accessing the cloud is an important part of our daily life. Without understanding how we can leverage the cloud, people could be left marginalised and spending more than necessary. It's also important to know how to benefit from cloud applications without falling into unsafe practises. Book onto the cloud session via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
The wonder of data - accessing and using different sources of data on digital inclusion
22 April, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm, online
An introduction to a range of sources of data about digital inclusion and exclusion and how you can use them in your work. Exploring the value of using data to tell stories about the need for digital inclusion support, and the difference it can make. Book onto The wonder of data via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
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.
Digital funding opportunities
Catalyst have a database of funders that either have open grant programmes focused on digital services and projects or who are open to funding digital projects and resources through their regular programmes. See the Catalyst website for a full list of funders.
Free laptop grants and schemes
This website lists grants and schemes for computers and free laptops for students, adults, and the disabled, unemployed and low-income families, plus sources of free or low cost data for those on benefits, such as universal credit or disability allowance. For charities, once logged in, you can use Funding Finder, to find a huge range of grants, including tech grants for computers, and Help Finder to find far more free laptop, computer and software providers for charities. Visit the Charity Excellence Framework website to find out more.
Growing Strength in Communities
Leeds Community Anchor Network and Forum Central would like to invite you to apply for funding and capacity building to support your organisation or group.
Growing Strength in Communities is a pot of funding for organisations working predominantly in these 7 wards:
- Burmantofts and Richmond Hill
- Beeston and Holbeck
- Middleton Park
- Armley
- Killingbeck and Seacroft
- Gipton and Harehills
- Hunslet and Riverside
The scheme is a training and grant programme for smaller groups and organisations seeking to tackle health inequalities in communities of Leeds with an annual turnover of less than £25,000.
Amount: £1000
More information and to apply: Growing Strength in Communities.
Wharfedale Foundation
The Foundation is focusing on funding organisations that seek to help disadvantaged marginalised groups in their communities. Groups might include refugees and asylum seekers and others affected by poverty and isolation.
Amount: Grants of up to £10,000 over one or two years are available to groups with an annual income under £150,000.
Grants of up to £25,000 are available to groups with an annual income under £300,000.
Deadline: 22 March.
More information and to apply: Wharfedale Foundation.
McCarthy Stone Foundation - community grants
Grants are available to community organisations for projects to improve the health and wellbeing of older people. For the current round, projects should focus on one-to-one initiatives to alleviate loneliness for people over 65 years old in Great Britain.
Amount: £3000 - £7500.
Deadline: 22 March.
More information and to apply: McCarthy Stone Foundation - community grants.
Innovation for All Foundation
A small number of grants are available to registered charities to deliver projects which use innovative and creative solutions to benefit local communities in the UK.
Amount: A very small number of grants of £10,000, £20,000 and £30,000.
Deadline: 31 March.
More information and to apply: Innovation for All Foundation.
Postcode Neighbourhood Trust - North of England
The funding aims to support smaller charities and good causes in the north of England to make a difference to their community for the benefit of people and planet including preventing or reducing the impact of poverty and supporting marginalised groups and tackling inequality.
Amount: Applicants that are not formally registered as a charity with the Charity Commission can apply for between £500 and £2,500 in funding.
Applicants that are registered with the Charity Commission and can provide a charity number can apply for between £500 and £25,000 in funding.
Deadline: Funding round opens 25 March and closes 1 April at 12.00 noon.
More information and to apply: Postcode Neighbourhood Trust - North of England.
Thomas Wall Trust - grants for registered charities
The trust views communication skills as critical capabilities for people who want to improve their employment prospects, self-confidence, resilience, and life chances. Grants are available for UK registered charities for specific projects that improves communication skills for disadvantaged adults and supports NEET people into employment. The trust welcomes proposals which target people experiencing multiple deprivation or other groups demonstrably facing major hurdles to employment, especially women, people with physical, mental, or learning disabilities, and refugees.
Amount: £5000
Deadline: 29 April.
More information and to apply: Thomas Wall Trust - grants for registered charities.
Foyle Foundation small grants scheme
The Small Grants Scheme is provided by the Foyle Foundation to support smaller, grass-roots and local charities in the UK with projects that have the potential to make a significant difference to their work. Grants can be used for core costs or essential equipment, UK charities that have an annual turnover of less than £150,000 are eligible to apply.
Amount: £10,000
Deadline: 30 April 2025.
More information and to apply: Foyle Foundation small grants scheme.
Friends of the Elderly - grants for older people
Small grants are available to support older people living on low incomes with the costs of home essentials, unexpected large bills, living costs and getting connected online.
Amount: £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (eg a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address).
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Friends of the Elderly - grants for older people.
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.
Digital Carers Corner
Digital Carers Corner is the monthly digital newsletter from Carers Leeds. Here you can find information about their digital support project, top tips which will help you become more tech savvy, monthly digital challenges and digital recommendations. Read the February edition of Digital Carers Corner here.
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.
Digital funding advice from Catalyst
Thinking about digital funding? Learn what processes funders use, what they look for and how their digital experience varies. Read How funders assess applications for digital funding on the Catalyst website.
Digital funding has changed. Learn about funders’ confidence, experience and expectations in 2024. Read How grantmakers view digital funding in 2024 on the Catalyst website.
Advice from 7 funders on how to present your digital plans - Read Digital funding - 6 application tips from funders on the Catalyst website.
Ways to avoid scams in 2024 from AbilityNet
AbiltyNet have a variety of resources on their website aimed at supporting people to be able to spot and avoid online scams. Resources include practical tips to shield yourself from scams, with Ofcom, how to stay safer online: bitesize video for seniors, or book a free virtual digital training session where AbiltyNet can provide a scam awareness session online to you and your team or clients.
Retirement LIFE consultation - housing for older people aged 45 and over
Housing Leeds owns and manages approximately 4,000 Retirement LIFE council homes. Their aim is to deliver quality housing related support to ensure that older people can remain independent, supporting the citywide ambition to make Leeds the Best City to Grow Old in.
The Retirement LIFE Service are undertaking a review of their service offer and how this is delivered to customers. The focus is to ensure they provide a service that is future proof to meet customers’ needs and expectations. As part of our service review they are looking at digital opportunities, learning from best practice across the housing sector and making sure they have robust and strong relationships with our partners linked to the wider health and social care system.
The Retirement LIFE consultation survey is available on the Leeds City Council website until 18 March. Your responses will help to inform the team's understanding of the wants and needs of older people in Leeds, and influence future service delivery for older people’s housing.
Building online community using a mix of digital tools
Use this Guide if you want to make your online programmes more engaging and collaborative. You might be delivering live sessions via Zoom, or MS Teams, or some other platform. This Guide talks about other tools you can use to let participants engage meaningfully with the content, work together and build a sense of community. Visit the UpRising website to read the online community guide.
Bridging the digital divide - insights from the Parliamentary Digital Skills Summit
This month’s Parliamentary Digital Skills Summit provided an important venue for discussion, bringing attention to pressing issues posed by digital skills and the digital divide and emphasising the imperative need for proactive measures, particularly with AI changing the nature of digital skills and services. Read the full article about the Parliamentary Digital Skills Summit on the Digital Poverty Alliance website.
Podcast - how to be digitally inclusive
In the digital age, all organisations, and indeed individuals, must play a role in creating an inclusive online environment. So, what is the role of charities, and how can they get started? This podcast from Charity Digital explores these questions and asks what about those who can’t experience the numerous benefits of being online? Listen to the podcast via the Charity Digital 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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