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Here are some of the things that the 100% Digital Leeds team has been working on over the past month.
You can find out more about our work on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
100% Digital Leeds Scrutiny Board report
The 100% Digital Leeds team has always positioned digital inclusion as an enabler to achieving wider council and city priorities and outcomes. This year, one of the biggest priorities has been the ongoing financial challenge facing the council, the NHS, and the third sector in Leeds, as well as the continuing cost of living challenges faced by people across the city.
Our 2024 Scrutiny Board report highlights data and impact from our amazing partners and the work you are doing to tackle digital inequality across the city.
Please read the full 100% Digital Leeds Scrutiny Board report on the Leeds City Council website.
Digital for all - building a connected digital inclusion ecosystem in Leeds
16 April, 5:00pm - 6:00pm, online
Closing the digital divide requires joined up thinking and action. This webinar showcases how the city of Leeds drives digital inclusion, led by the council’s ambition to build a compassionate city that tackles poverty and reduces inequalities.
Amy Hearn, Digital Inclusion Manager for 100% Digital Leeds will share how Leeds is building a coordinated and connected digital inclusion ecosystem across Leeds, working with the third sector, public sector, health and care, and tech sector, to strengthen digital inclusion infrastructure in communities to increase access, engagement and participation. Book on to Digital for all - building a connected digital inclusion ecosystem in Leeds via Eventbrite.
Digital inclusion in primary care
100% Digital Leeds is working across healthcare and community settings to support digital inclusion for improved health outcomes. This involves increasing digital inclusion awareness among staff, building capacity to support digital inclusion in communities, and supporting the implementation of digital inclusion solutions to common challenges that patients face when engaging with health services. Read the full Digital inclusion in primary care article on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Travel Connections
In 2023, Leeds Older People’s Forum were awarded a grant through the Department for Transport’s Tackling Loneliness with Transport fund to deliver the Travel Connections project. The project focused on increasing digital inclusion opportunities for older people in engaging with taxi and bus apps. Read the full Travel Connections article on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Caring Hands receive King's Award for Voluntary Service
Our congratulations go to our partner Caring Hands who this week were awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE and is the highest honour awarded to voluntary groups. Leeds Caring Hands were supported by the 100% Digital Leeds team with tablets to start their digital inclusion work. Read more about Caring Hands and their award on the North Leeds Medical Practice website.
This year's partner profiles
In every newsletter this year we have profiled one of our delivery partners, showcasing their excellent work and giving examples of how they have integrated digital inclusion into their services. Here are the partner profiles from the last 12 months, thank you to everyone who has been involved and here's to the next year!
Ascendance
Leeds Irish Health and Homes
Carers Leeds
Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation
Royal Mencap's Positive Changes Group
Burmantofts Senior Action and Accenture
Leeds International Piano Competition and Be Caring
Refugee Education Training Advice Service (RETAS)
SLATE Leeds
St Paul's Ireland Wood
Events and training
Details of this month's upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities.
Applying for small grants
9 April, 9:30am - 12:30pm, Stringer House, LS10 2QW
Run by Voluntary Action Leeds, this course will help your group to apply successfully for a small grant of a few hundred pounds up to around £10,000 to help run and expand your activities and services. To book onto Applying for small grants visit the Doing Good Leeds website.
The sparkle of inclusion - unveiling digital angels in healthcare
10 April, 1:00pm, online
Join this webinar from the Digital Poverty Alliance as they share insights into the importance of digital inclusion in healthcare, personalised support for both service users and staff, and the far-reaching impact of these initiatives.
Register for The sparkle of inclusion - unveiling digital angels in healthcare on Zoom.
Navigating impact - measuring social change in the fight against poverty
17 April, 1:00pm, online
Join the Digital Poverty Alliance for an insightful webinar featuring Charlotte Walshe, Partnerships & Impact Director at In Kind Direct. This session will delve into the art and science of measuring and communicating social impact, offering a different perspective on the compounding effect of digital poverty on people’s ability to live well. Register for Navigating impact - measuring social change in the fight against poverty on Zoom.
Getting started on TikTok for charities
18 April, 11:00am - 12:30pm, online
This interactive webinar is for charities and community groups who would like to start a TikTok channel but are not sure where to start. Visit the Third Sector Lab to book.
Digital Works conference
24 - 25 April, Leeds City Museum
After seven years of podcasts, newsletters and events, Digital Works are very excited to present their first ever conference on all things digital in the culture sector. They have a brilliant line-up of speakers from both in and out of the digital sector, who will be sharing their experiences, expertise and unique perspectives. For more information visit the Digital Works website.
How to use Canva for social media
9 May, 11.30am - 12.30pm, online
Canva is the great free-to-use online graphic design tool which you can use to create great graphics as well as presentations and videos for social media. Book onto How to use Canva for social media via the Trybooking website.
Creativity and Wellbeing Week
20 - 26 May
Creativity and Wellbeing week is a partnership between London Arts in Health Forum and the Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance. It is an open festival where everyone who wants to host an event focused on culture, arts and wellbeing is encouraged to join in the programme. Find out more about how to take part on the Creativity and Wellbeing Week website.
Digital Leeds health and care event
7 June, 9:00am - 4:00pm, Park Plaza Hotel, Leeds
The Digital Leeds Health and Care Event returns for its second year and will bring together public sector decision makers and stakeholders to discuss and explore “How emerging technology is shaping health, social and primary care both locally and nationally”.
The day-long, person-centred programme will be packed with learning and engagement opportunities aiming to inform, excite and equip attendees with new knowledge, ideas, and contacts. From presentations, round table discussions and breakout sessions, participants will be encouraged to have their say and discuss some of the emerging technology that is shaping how care is provided by both local authority and healthcare providers.
From digital solutions to age-old provision challenges, through to the role AI will play in the long-term future of healthcare provision, this is an opportunity to learn, connect and contribute to the ever-evolving field of emerging technology. Find more information on the Digital Leeds health and care event 2024 registration page.
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.
Measuring impact - evaluating the difference your digital inclusion support makes
16 April, 12.00 noon - 1.00pm, online
An introduction to the 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 practices. Book onto the cloud session via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
Digital Champion training
19 and 22 April, 1:00pm - 3:00pm both days, online
Digital Champions provide direct support for people who don't have the skills or confidence to make the most out of the internet and their device. They support all kinds of people who need to learn digital skills and play an important role in motivating people to give digital a go. This two-part course is for any volunteers or members of staff who will provide frontline support to people who need support with digital.
Session 1 - Friday 19 April 2023, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
This session will explore the role of a Digital Champion, the skills you need and the people you are likely to support.
Session 2 - Monday 22 April, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
In this session we’ll look at the practicalities of being a Digital Champion, how you can support people to learn digital skills.
Book onto Digital Champion training via Eventbrite.
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.
Good practice in digital inclusion
29 April, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, online
Co-designed and delivered with Network Ambassadors, this session shares good practice in supporting people in the three pillars of digital inclusion: skills, connectivity and devices. Book onto Good practice in digital inclusion via the National Digital Inclusion Network website.
New National Digital Inclusion Network member’s area
Once logged in to the new site, Account Managers should accept the new ‘Hub Agreement’, review the information that is held about your organisation and ensure the right people in your hub have access. You can complete all of these actions via the ‘View My Hub’ page.
On the new site you’ll 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.
Visit the new National Digital Inclusion Network member’s area on the Good Things Foundation website.
National Databank
The National Databank is like a food bank but for mobile data. Network members can access free mobile SIM cards to give to people who can't afford internet connectivity. Visit the Good Things Foundation website to access all National Databank information and resources.
If you are interested in joining the National Databank and would like support from the 100% Digital Leeds team please contact us.
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 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.
The Fore
Unrestricted grants are available to enable small charities in the UK to grow, strengthen or become more efficient or resilient.
Amount: Up to £30,000 which may be spread over 3 years.
Deadline: 4 April.
More information and to apply: The Fore.
West Yorkshire - Active Travel Fund community grants
Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations in West Yorkshire to deliver projects focused on active travel. The Fund is intended to support projects that will enable more people to travel by bike, wheelchair or on foot.
Amount: £5,000.
Deadline: 9 April.
More information and to apply: West Yorkshire - Active Travel Fund community grants.
York St John University – community research grants
Grants are available to voluntary and community groups, charities, and social enterprises in Yorkshire and the Humber to undertake social research projects in partnership with academic researchers from York St John University.
Amount: There is a total fund of £50,000. Grants will vary depending on the research project, it is expected that around four to six projects will be awarded funding.
Deadline: 22 April.
More information and to apply: York St John University – community research grants.
Help the Homeless grant scheme
Grants for capital projects are available to small and medium-sized charities registered in the UK working to assist homeless people to rebuild their lives and return to the community.
Amount: £5,000
Deadline: 15 June.
More information and to apply: Help the Homeless grant scheme
INCLUDE+ exploratory projects funding call 2024
INCLUDE+ is inviting proposals for projects that seek to enhance digital equity through rapid response projects. Proposals can be pilots, connective or creative projects which embrace an element of risk or experimentation, and can be formulated in response to policy or wider environmental, social or technical change.
Amount: Up to £5,000.
Deadline:
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24 May - applicants informed of outcome 17 June.
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13 Sept - applicants informed of outcome 7 Oct.
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8 Nov - applicants informed of outcome 2 Dec.
More information and to apply: INCLUDE+ exploratory projects funding call 2024.
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.
- Smaller charities may receive smaller grants of £250 upwards.
Deadline: 5 June.
More information and to apply: Hedley Foundation.
Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust
Grants for UK registered charities/hospices supporting older people who are frail in the UK to provide social services for help for the relief of the aged and infirm.
Amount: Funding is at the discretion of the Trust.
Deadline: 23 August.
More information and to apply: Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust.
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales - Racial Equity Grants
Unrestricted grants are available for small local registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and community interest companies based outside of London who are working with people experiencing economic inequity because of their race or ethnicity. The Foundation will, when considering comparable applications, favour applications from Wales and Yorkshire and Humber.
If you decide to apply and want to link this to health inequalities please contact the Local Care Partnership as they can support to strengthen your bid with some contextual information and data.
Amount: Unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years (£25,000 per year), alongside tailored development support, are available.
Deadline: TBC.
More information and to apply: Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales - Racial Equity Grants.
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.
Carers Leeds - Coffee and Paste digital drop-in
Carers Leeds's new digital drop-in is starting from April and will be on the first and third Wednesday of every month until October. Staff will be on hand to help you with how to use your equipment or how to use a specific app or website. Even if you want to just come in for a cuppa and an introductory chat about digital or have a go at playing puzzles on a tablet you are welcome to join. Visit the Carers Leeds website for more information.
Roaming with Burmantofts Community Friends (BCF)
BCF outreach and digital support is going on tour!
BCF have partnered with Clarion Futures to offer outreach and digital drop in sessions around the Burmantofts area on Thursdays between 10:30am and 12:30pm on the following dates:
- Louis Le Prince Court - 18 April and 4 July
- Stoney Rock Court - 25 April and 25 July
- Compton Centre - 2 May and 18 July
- BCF office - 9 May and 26 September
- Bellbrooke Surgery - 16 May and 15 August
- Burmantofts Hub - 23 May and 5 September
For more information please contact BCF on 0113 248 9191.
Places for People - Strengthening financial and digital inclusion
Being unable to manage your home and money can have devastating results. Similarly, digital exclusion can cause social isolation and prevent people from accessing essential information and services. Places for People are responding to these challenges by offering money advice, getting customers online, and signposting for debt advice. Find out more on the Places for People website.
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 six 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 eight 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.
Order AbilityNet promotional items
Did you know that you can order promotional items from AbilityNet to raise awareness of the support they can provide? Choose from a selection of flyers, banners, posters, business cards, and more (available in a range of sizes and focused on different disabilities). And AbilityNet will deliver them right to your door. Visit the AbilityNet website to find out more about the promotional items they have available to order.
Leeds Autism Services podcast
Leeds Autism Services have been helping autistic adults in Leeds to reach their full potential for over thirty years. They campaign for the rights and recognition of autistic people, and believe that education and understanding of autism is the key to creating a more autism friendly society. They work with families, communities and businesses to encourage a better understanding of autism and can provide information, advice, bespoke training and consultancy.
Craig works for Leeds Autism services as the Referral and Assessment Manager, and started the podcast to give autistic people a voice, and provide insights from professionals who work in the field of autism and neurodiversity.
So far, the podcast has had a wide range of guests including employability experts, staff from support services around Leeds and autistic professionals from around the region. Episode eight of the podcast features the Autism and Learning Disability Digital Inclusion Coordinator from the 100% Digital Leeds Team.
You can listen to the Leeds Autism Services podcast for free, or sign up to be a future interviewee on the Leeds Autism Services website.
How to develop a digital intent statement instead of a digital strategy
Does your organisation lack the time, focus or skills to create a digital strategy? This article by Dot Project will help you develop a digital intent statement as an interim measure. Creating clarity on the purpose, goals, and outcomes of your digital initiatives or projects. Read more about digital intent statements on the Dot Project website.
NHS Healthy Start Campaign
The NHS Healthy Start scheme provides help to buy healthy food and milk for pregnant people and families with children under 4 years old. The NHS Healthy Start card can also be used to get free access to important vitamins. NHS Healthy Start women’s tablets and children’s drops are available on the scheme, providing key nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid.
If you work to support families in Leeds, you can help them to access the NHS Healthy Start scheme. It gives pregnant people and families with children under four payments to buy fruit, vegetables, milk and infant formula – and provides free Healthy Start vitamins. Applications are accepted via the Healthy Start webpage.
Know someone who wants to apply, but needs some help accessing the website or completing the application? They can find help at one of the Digital Health Hubs around Leeds which can be found on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Digital funding - six myths busted
This article from Catalyst lists some of the myths that influence perceptions and decisions around digital funding. Read the full article on the Catalyst website.
Wellbeing data - Understanding Society dashboard
As the UK’s largest longitudinal household survey, Understanding Society is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to understand long-term trends in wellbeing outcomes across population groups.
To make the survey’s wellbeing data more readily available to non-academic users, What Works Wellbeing have launched a wellbeing data dashboard. Find out more about the dashboard and how to use it on the What Works Wellbeing website.
Otley Action for Older People featured on national television
Otley Action for Older People (OAOP) has featured on an episode of ‘Tonight’ on ITV – Online Britain – who’s getting left behind?.
Reporter Datshiane Navanayagam spoke to members of OAOP and the digital project lead, Joe Woollin, who spoke about the feelings around digital exclusion and highlighted how necessary the digital support offered at OAOP is for members of the community.
Members also featured in BBC Rip off Britain where they were tasked to see how long different everyday activities took, such as booking a train, using the internet or the phone.
What’s it like to be a refugee in the UK without internet access?
Article and eight-minute video in the Guardian highlighting the experiences of Joel Mordi, who fled persecution in Nigeria and found himself on the wrong side of the digital divide in the UK. Read the full article on the Guardian website.
The Minimum Digital Living Standard for Households with Children
The Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) is a collaborative research project led by the University of Liverpool and funded by the Nuffield Foundation. A minimum digital standard of living includes, but is more than, having accessible internet, adequate equipment, and the skills, knowledge and support people need. It is about being able to communicate, connect and engage with opportunities safely and with confidence.
Data and insights from the MDLS research can be used by councils to inform strategies and interventions, develop partnerships, policies and standards, and target digital inclusion interventions for families. The MDLS was also featured in a recent article in the Guardian.
Support for small charities and voluntary organisations
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) engage with small charities every day through their four pillars of support. They are here for everyone who works or volunteers at a charity or voluntary organisation. Find out more about the support they can offer on the NCVO website.
How to write good alt text for screen readers
Read this blog post by Craig Abbott to find out what alt text is, why it matters, and how to avoid some common mistakes. Visit the Craig Abbott website to read the full blog.
Downpour app - make games on your phone
Downpour is a quick and easy way to make games on your phone. Collage together photos, drawings and text, and then connect them into an interactive story. It is free to use, can be used offline and can be played with any website. See the Downpour website for more information.
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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