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
At the beginning of April the 100% Digital Leeds team presented to the Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth Scrutiny Board with an update on the progress of the 100% Digital Leeds programme since the last report to the Board in April 2023. Read the minutes from the Scrutiny Board on the Leeds City Council website. The recording of the Scrutiny Board can also be accessed via YouTube.
Partner profile
Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours Scheme
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.
Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours Scheme is one of 100% Digital Leeds’s most long running partnerships, supporting digital inclusion since 2018. Their offer is constantly changing as they adapt to meet the needs of people in East Leeds. Read more about the amazing work that Cross Gates and District Good Neighbours Scheme are doing on the 100% Digital Leeds blog.
Events and training
Details of this month's upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities.
DigiCo webinar - Unwrapping the digital divide
7 May, 12:00 midday - 12:40pm, online
Join DigiCo for the latest in their webinar series - Art and digital (in)equity: How can art be leveraged for digital inclusion? Dr. Alicja Pawluczuk digital inclusion researcher at INCLUDE+ Network at the University of Leeds will explore the transformative roles of participatory art and experiential learning in digital equity community practice and research. This webinar aims to challenge, reshape, and enrich our understanding of digital inclusivity through artistic approaches. Register for Unwrapping the digital divide via Eventbrite.
Free funding writing courses with the Royal Literary Fund
Writing funding applications (workshop 1)
23 May, 10:00am - 12:30pm, online
This workshop is aimed at participants wanting to apply for funds up to £1,500 and will give you the confidence to craft a winning application and boost your professional writing skills. Book on to Writing funding applications workshop 1 via the Doing Good Leeds website.
Writing funding applications (workshop 2)
13 June, 10:00am - 12:30pm, online
This workshop is aimed at participants wanting to apply for funds up to £10,000. Book on to Writing funding applications workshop 2 via the Doing Good Leeds website.
Everything you wanted to know about subtitling (but were afraid to ask)
16 May, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, online
This webinar from Arts Council's Digital Culture Network will cover what makes subtitles an effective tool for deaf access, how best to format subtitles for access, and answer the most commonly asked questions about subtitling. Book on to Everything you wanted to know about subtitling via the Digital Culture Network 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.
How to deliver drop-in digital support
2 May, 10:00am - 11:00am, online
Ann and Rich Avison from Lincs Digital and Kirsty Walker from People Know How deliver this session to share their experience of running successful digital skills drop-ins in different settings. Book on to How to deliver drop-in digital support via Eventbrite.
Drop in - National Databank drop in session
3 May, 11:30am - 12:00 midday, online
During this session Good Things Foundation will give you an overview of the current offers and a demo of the National Databank. There will also an opportunity for you to ask questions. Book on to National Databank drop in session via Eventbrite.
Your fundraising strategy
9 May, 10:00am - 11:30am, online
Vic Hancock-Fell from Fair Collective will cover the basics of building strong foundations to prepare your small charity for efficient and effective fundraising. Book on to Your fundraising strategy via Eventbrite.
Your digital inclusion bid tool-kit
14 May, 12:00 midday - 1:00pm
At this session Good Things Foundation will share how to create your own 'bid Tool-kit' so that you have easy access to all the information you need to complete any bid to fund your digital inclusion work. Book on to Your digital inclusion bid tool-kit via Eventbrite.
All Digital Weeks campaign
13 - 31 May
Good Things Foundation are proud to be the national coordinators for the Europe-wide campaign to promote digital skills for inclusion, employment and empowerment.
As with Get Online Week, you can support the campaign by:
Network meet-up - All Digital Weeks
15 May, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, online
This special UK National Digital Inclusion Network Meet-up is part of All Digital Weeks, a Europe-wide campaign to raise awareness for digital skills for inclusion, empowerment and employment. Book on to Network meet-up - All Digital Weeks via Eventbrite.
Project planning and budgeting for digital inclusion bid success
16 May, 12:00 midday - 1:00pm, online
When writing bids, you are often asked to write a brief project plan or budget for what you plan to do with the funding.
This session will cover:
- Making sure your project aligns with your core work and mission.
- Simple templates and guidance for creating a project plan.
- How to avoid mistakes in your budgeting.
Book on to Project planning and budgeting for digital inclusion bid success via Eventbrite.
Diversifying your hub's income
21 May, 12:00 midday - 1:00pm, online
This webinar will help digital inclusion hubs to consider new ways of bringing in funding. Book on to Diversifying your hub's income via 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 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.
UKSPF - Groundwork West Yorkshire Community Grants
WYCA Community Grants provide grants to organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to support unemployed, economically inactive and socially excluded people from West Yorkshire to move closer to employment and/or digital inclusion.
Amount: £20,000. There is a possibility that some projects can be awarded a grant of up to £50,000 if you can demonstrate how the additional funding would be used to support more participants.
Deadline: The programme is open for applications now, with rolling grant panels throughout a 6 week period. There is a limited amount of funding available and the fund will close once sufficient applications have been received which meet the funding criteria.
Delivery Deadline: All project delivery must be completed by the end of December 2024. Therefore, organisations should already be engaging with a cohort of beneficiaries when applying for the grant, to ensure timely completion. Projects should aim to target people from priority groups, address need, and complement other local provision.
More information and to apply: UKSPF - Groundwork West Yorkshire Community Grants.
Fix The Digital Divide Fund - Impact Grant
This grant is for members of the National Digital Inclusion Network to help them support more people who lack basic digital skills or access.
Amount: £3,000 (to support 60-90 people) or £6,000 (to support 120-150 people).
Deadline: 6 June.
More information and to apply: Fix The Digital Divide Fund - Impact Grant.
Fix The Digital Divide Fund - Capability Grant
This grant is for members of the National Digital Inclusion Network who want to add to or boost their current digital services.
Amount: £6,000
Deadline: 6 June.
More information and to apply: Fix The Digital Divide Fund - Capability Grant.
Clarion Futures Digital Grants
Grants are available for charities and community organisations working across the UK to support Clarion residents of all ages to get online and build the skills, motivation and confidence needed to use the internet safely in everyday life.
Amount: £5,000.
Deadline: 12 June.
More information and to apply: Clarion Futures Digital Grants.
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: £2,500.
Deadline: 30 June.
More information and to apply: Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation - Small Change Big Difference Fund.
Steel Charitable Trust
Grants are available to registered charities in the UK working in the areas of arts and heritage, education, environment, health, or social and economic disadvantage.
The funding can support core costs, capital works and specific projects.
Amount: The minimum grant size is £10,000. Awards of more than £25,000 are rare.
Deadline: 11 July.
More information and to apply: Steel Charitable Trust.
Matthew Good Foundation - Grants for Good Fund
A small number of grants are available for local community groups, charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises in the UK for projects that have a positive impact on communities, people, or the environment, with an average income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months.
Amount: Up to £5,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Matthew Good Foundation - Grants for Good Fund.
npower Business Solutions Foundation
Grants are available for not-for-profit and educational institutions within 50 miles of nBS’ offices in Solihull and Leeds to support projects that have a positive impact on local communities, improve places and spaces, and provide opportunities for individuals to reach their potential.
Amount: Three levels of funding are available depending on the size and turnover of the applicant organisation:
- Level 1 grants of up to £19,999.
- Level 2 grants of up to £39,999.
- Level 3 grants of up to £100,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: npower Business Solutions Foundation.
Clothworker's Foundation Open Grants Programme
Capital grants are available to registered charities working in the UK in one of the following areas: communities experiencing racial inequalities, disabilities, domestic and sexual abuse, economic disadvantage, homelessness, LGBT+ communities, older people facing disadvantage, prison and rehabilitation, substance misuse and addiction, and young people facing disadvantage.
Amount:
- Small Grants Programme awards grants of up to £15,000.
- Large Grants Programme awards grants over £15,000 and typically, not more than £150,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Clothworker's Foundation Open Grants Programme.
Morrisons Foundation
Projects should address the following criteria:
- Tackle poverty and social deprivation.
- Enhance community spaces, facilities and services.
- Improve health and wellbeing.
The funding is for specific projects that make a difference to people’s lives, with special consideration for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Amount: £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Morrisons Foundation.
Friends Provident Foundation Small Grants Programme
The programme aims to support under-resourced or newer entrants to economic systems change work to develop their ideas for a 4D economy - an economy that is diversified, decarbonised, democratised and decentralised.
Amount: Up to £10,000
Deadline: Rolling
More information and to apply: Friends Provident Foundation Small Grants Programme.
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.
Tech Careers Launchpad x WILD Digital
16 May, 5:00pm - 7:30pm, 2 The Calls, LS2 7JU
Looking to start or advance your career in the tech sector? Come to an exclusive WILD Digital takeover of the Tech Careers Launchpad event, where they will provide invaluable support and insights to help you stand out and get noticed in the tech industry. At this event, you'll gain expert advice on building your brand and increasing your network for navigating digital and tech career opportunities. Sign up to Tech Careers Launchpad x WILD Digital on the Universe website.
Women's Health Matters (WHM) digital support drop-in
Every Friday, 10:00am - 12:00 midday, WHM offices
Borrow a Chromebook, access free SIM cards with data and access digital support.
Digital support drop-in is only open to those already being supported by Women's Health Matters. If you are currently accessing support through Women's Health Matters, please speak to your worker about accessing Digital Support. If you are a professional working with someone who feel would benefit from accessing Women's Health Matter's services please complete the online referral form, or call the office on 0113 276 2851 to discuss further. For more information about Women's Health Matters digital support please visit the Women's Health Matters website.
High Rise Project - arts and mental health sessions
Tuesdays, under Armley Library
Drop-in studio from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sessions by community artist Edek Thompson -
- 2:00pm - 4:00pm for everyone.
- 4:00pm - 6:00pm dedicated men's group.
These are a space for wellbeing so you can chat about anything (including art problems) in a supportive environment or just focus on your own projects if you prefer. High Rise also have digital art sessions where you can borrow an iPad to get the most out of the course. Refreshments and wifi are provided, and all activities are free of charge. Find out more about the sessions on the Highrise website.
Carers Leeds - Coffee and Paste digital drop-in
Carers Leeds's new digital drop-in is 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.
Age UK Ways to Wellbeing digital sessions
Mondays, 2:30pm - 4:30pm, Box Tree Court, LS23 6FU
Digital Skills Sessions - Fun, interactive group sessions to help build digital skills and confidence.
Tuesdays, 10:30am - 12:30pm, Age UK Leeds Community Hub, LS2 8JA
Enjoy Digital - Learn to use tablets, smart phones, laptops etc. Feel more confident going online. Get wise to online safety. 50+, free of charge.
All activities run in 6 week blocks, with booking required before attending. New attendees welcome at any point. Please contact the Ways to Wellbeing Team for more information on 0113 389 3009 or via email.
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, 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 our Community Hubs and Libraries.
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 to add to our support pages so others can use it contact us.
DigiQuick
DigiQuick features free on-demand video tutorials which teach small non-profits to make specific tools which can help them run more efficiently. They have two courses live at the moment:
- Tracking grant spending with Google Sheets
- Creating a session register which tracks demographics
Find out more and express your interest in that pilot programme on the DigiQuick website.
Business research opportunity
Arden University are looking for local organisations in Leeds who would like a group of eager students to undertake a short business research project for them.
There are three choices of project brief to choose from in this round:
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Growth Strategy. Identify new marketing, product, technology, competitor, partner, funding or customer growth trends and opportunities.
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Sustainable Impact. Research practical options to help you grow your business sustainably and to enhance your organisation’s social or environmental impact.
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Digital Marketing. Students will assess your current use of social media channels and develop a social media strategy and action plan.
Visit the Doing Good Leeds website to find out more about the business research opportunity from Arden University.
Feed Leeds - Sow a Row Xtra
Do you grow veg from seed? Help others with your growing know-how! Share your seedling photos online and use the hashtag #getgrowingleeds. Find out more about Sow a Row Xtra on the Feed Leeds website.
Constella Music - Connecting Stars
Developed in response to the pandemic, Connecting Stars provides live and interactive virtual performances for care home residents nationwide. Delivered by some of the UK’s most exciting musicians and dancers, Constella Music's innovative model provides high-quality performance and well-being support for those most in need. Find out more about Connecting Stars on the Constella Music website.
Tools to help measure your impact
Demonstrating your impact through data can help you to access funding opportunities and make the case for digital inclusion at your organisation. With this in mind, Good Things Foundation have pulled together resources to support you to both access existing data on digital inclusion, and to improve your own data collection processes. Visit the Good Things Foundation website to access the resources.
Digital Nation 2024
Good Things Foundation are proud to launch the UK’s most comprehensive digital exclusion and inclusion infographic, Digital Nation 2024. The infographic features the latest facts and stats about digital exclusion, showing the deepening divide - and the need for immediate action. See the infographic on the Good Things Foundation 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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