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.
Be Online Stay Safe (BOSS)
The Be Online and Stay Safe (BOSS) project was a partnership between Leeds Older People’s Forum and 100% Digital Leeds, delivered March and December 2023. BOSS was developed to address the challenges faced by older people in diverse communities to staying safe online. Read the full BOSS blog on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Your Back Yard care homes project
Your Back Yard is a Leeds based social enterprise who work with local communities to support healthy lifestyles. Over the last nine months the organisation has delivered digital skills sessions across six care homes in Leeds. The 100% Digital Leeds team partnered with Your Back Yard to address a gap in digital skills support provision in care, supporting the organisation to apply for Awards For All funding to improve outcomes for residents through digital inclusion and to explore approaches to digital support. Read the full Your Back Yard care homes project blog on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Arts in Care Digital Programme 2024 information webinar
11 July, 2:00pm - 2:30pm, online
The Arts in Care Digital Programme 2024 is back for a third year. 100% Digital Leeds is curating a programme of digital activities in response to the National Day of Arts in Care Homes, and with a focus around digital inclusion. Join the 100% Digital Leeds team on Thursday 11 July at 2:00pm for a 30 minute webinar where artists, arts and cultural organisations, and other interested parties, can hear more about the proposed plans and how they can contribute an activity to the programme. Sign up for the Arts in Care Digital Programme 2024 information webinar via Ticket Source.
Partner profile
Each month we profile one of our delivery partners, showcasing their excellent work and giving examples of how they have integrated digital inclusion into their services.
Pyramid
Pyramid is an inclusive arts collective working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people in Leeds. Pyramid plays a lead role in driving digital inclusion for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The organisation also hosts a consultation group of people with lived experience whose thoughts and opinions inform the work of the coordinator. Read more about Pyramid's digital inclusion work on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Events and training
Details of upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities.
Encouraging Participation in Community Groups
10 July, 10:00am - 1:00pm, online
This is a participative and fun session from Voluntary Action Leeds where you will explore ways to ensure that groups are community-led and that everyone can have an input into decision making. Sign up to Encouraging Participation in Community Groups via the Voluntary Action Leeds website.
Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help - with Alzheimer's Society
10 July, 10:00am - 2:00pm, online
In this free webinar, expert speakers from AbilityNet will be joined by guest speakers from Alzheimer's Society who specialise in dementia, to offer their advice for navigating the digital world with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or cognitive issues, and tech adjustments that can make a big difference.
Also joining the session is Recreo VR, who will share how they have been working with Alzheimer's Society to use virtual reality to improve well-being among people with dementia. Sign up to Dementia, AI and simple tech tweaks to help via the AbilityNet website.
How AI can help charities in the forced migration context to deliver more impact
11 July, 10:00am - 11:30am, online
This 90-minute workshop will explore the opportunities and challenges of using AI to reach your mission, and look at how to continue to build your confidence to experiment with your team and service users. You will discover practical tools, inspiration, and confidence to experiment ethically with AI to help you reach your organisation's mission. Sign up to How AI can help charities in the forced migration context to deliver more impact via the Luma website.
First Steps in Digital - Northern College
11 July – 12 July, 9:30am – 4:30pm, Northern College, S75 3ET
This brand new course is intended to provide those who lack confidence using computers to take their first steps in the subject. Covering the basics of using computers: using a mouse and keyboard, basic internet searches, finding, opening, and closing files and programs, and following basic instructions to use a computer for a given purpose.
Please note this course is fully funded for eligible students, If you are not eligible, the cost of the course is £25. To book onto First Steps in Digital please visit the Northern College site.
Basic Bookkeeping Using the WYCAS Cashbook
16 July, 10:00am - 1:00pm, online
Learn how to set up a basic bookkeeping system that allows you to easily record income and expenditure and to report on restricted and unrestricted funds.
This is a free 3 hour course which will be held online for a maximum of 4 people. Please note this course is for West Yorkshire community groups only. To book onto Basic Bookkeeping Using the WYCAS Cashbook please visit the Doing Good Leeds website.
Wild Digital - Making 'good' connections!
17 July, 5:00pm - 8:00pm, 1 Whitehall Quay, LS1 4HR
Join Wild Digital for a unique and engaging workshop session that is specifically designed to take your networking skills to new heights. This event is not just about boosting your confidence, but about equipping you with the most effective networking tips and strategies. Sign up to Wild Digital - Making 'good' connections! on the Universe website.
How to create effective video content using your phone
25 July, 12:00 (noon) - 1:00pm, online
Does your charity want to start creating video content but don't know where to start? Join the Saltways team for a 60 minute practical workshop aimed at charities to learn how to create effective & high quality content on your phone. Sign up to How to create effective video content using your phone via Eventbrite.
Free Course - Helping Others Stay Safe Online
Online
The Helping others stay safe online course is one of six courses that make up Digital Unite's Digital Champions Essentials collection. It takes about 12 minutes to complete and all of Digital Unite's courses offer extra resources like lesson plans and printable worksheets. See more about Helping Others Stay Safe Online on the Digital Unite 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 question and answer session
2 July, 10:00am - 11:00am, online
This session is for organisations who are not yet part of the National Databank. Find out how to join the National Databank, along with the other services available to you as part of the National Digital Inclusion Network. The session will involve a short presentation, and then time for questions. Book onto National Databank question and answer session via the Good Things Foundation website.
National Databank refresher session
8 and 22 July, 10:00am - 11:00am, online
This session is for organisations already accessing the National Databank. During this session Good Things Foundation will give you an overview of current offers, a demo of the National Databank and a reminder of processes. There will also be plenty of opportunity for you to ask any questions. Book onto National Databank refresher session via the Good Things Foundation website.
Network Meet-up - Supporting asylum seekers and refugees
11 July, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, online
At this special National Digital Inclusion Network Meet-up Good Things Foundation will share some great practice from the network before moving into breakout rooms where you can talk to people from other digital inclusion hubs around the UK about ideas, challenges, and sharing successes in your work to support new arrivals to the UK with digital skills and / or digital access. Book onto Network Meet-up - Supporting asylum seekers and refugees via the Good Things Foundation 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 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 on the Catalyst website
On the Catalyst website there is a database of grant programmes focused on digital services and projects and funders who are open to funding digital projects and resources through their regular programmes. Visit the Catalyst website to view their database of digital funding opportunities.
Co-op Local Community Fund
Grants are available for small, locally based voluntary and community groups to support projects which benefit local communities around Co-op food stores and funeral homes across the UK.
The funding is for projects that supports this year’s theme of People. The project should enable people to play a part in their community’s future by:
- Supporting young people to fulfil their potential.
- Helping older people feel connected
- Improving people’s mental wellbeing
Amount: Discretionary. Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
Deadline: 7 July 12:00 midnight.
More information and to apply: Co-op Local Community Fund.
Islamic Relief UK Grants Programme
Grants are available for charitable organisations to deliver projects and activities that support marginalised people, including women, young people, and refugees, and help build resilience to poverty.
Amount: Grants of between £1,000 to more than £40,000 are available depending on the project for first-time applicants. This may increase further for second-time successful applicants and can rise to £50,000. There is an option for multi-year funding.
Deadline: 8 July.
More information and to apply: Islamic Relief UK Grants Programme.
VocTech Challenge Impact Network and Grant Fund
Grants and organisational support are available for projects that use technology to integrate UK employers' needs, enhance pathways from learning to work, and support non-English speakers with vocational language skills.
Amount: Successful applicants will each receive between £200,000 and £250,000 to refine and deploy their ideas.
Deadline: 8 July.
More information and to apply: VocTech Challenge Impact Network and Grant Fund.
Leeds Community Foundation - Pears Youth Fund
Support is available for local voluntary and community organisations with projects that actively involve young people aged between 5 and 20 (or up to 25 years old with additional needs) in the design and delivery of projects that focus on youth work and promote youth voice, youth empowerment and youth activities.
Amount: Grants of up to £10,000 per year are available for up to two years. Small unincorporated and unregistered groups can only apply for up to £5,000.
Deadline: 15 July 12:00 noon.
More information and to apply: Leeds Community Foundation - Pears Youth Fund.
ScottishPower Foundation - General Grants
Grants are available to registered charities in the UK for projects that support education, environmental protection, arts, culture and social initiatives. Social initiatives can include:
- Economic security: alleviating poverty, including in-work poverty, caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
- Economic opportunity: supporting entrepreneurship and skills development for the most vulnerable groups.
Amount: Grants of between £35,000 and £150,000 are available. The average grant in the past three years was £60,000.
Deadline: 19 July.
More information and to apply: ScottishPower Foundation - General Grants.
Woodward Charitable Trust - General Grants
Grants are available to fund core costs of smaller registered charities working in the following areas: isolated children and young people, disadvantaged families, and prisoners and ex-offenders.
Amount: Grants of up to £3,000 are available. However, most grants are for £1,000 or less.
Deadline: 26 July 12:00 noon.
More information and to apply: Woodward Charitable Trust - General Grants.
Asda Foundation - Investing in Spaces and Places Grant
Grants are available for small, local groups in the UK to improve community spaces and places where local people can be together and thrive.
Amount: For 2024, £1 million is available to community groups. Grants between £10,000 and £25,000 are available.
Deadline: 28 July. The scheme may close early if demand for funding is high.
More information and to apply: Asda Foundation - Investing in Spaces and Places Grant.
Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
In 2024, the third (July) and fourth (September) rounds will focus on Food Poverty given the increasing levels across the UK. Priority will be to projects that focus on enabling resilience and independence, in particular food education and cooking skills.
Amount:
- Round 3 (July) - £1,000
- Round 4 (September) - £5,000
Deadline: Round 3 will open for applications on 1 July and close on 31 July.
More information and to apply: Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust.
Money Saving Expert (MSE) Charity
A limited number of grants are available to small to medium-sized UK not-for-profit organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money.
Amount: £10,000.
Deadline: 31 July – closes for stage 1 outline proposals. Please note the closing date may be earlier if too many stage 1 proposals are received.
More information and to apply: Money Saving Expert (MSE) Charity.
Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation
Grants are available to UK registered charities for charitable work in the UK that benefits children, through their education and/or welfare, youth projects, and the elderly and their welfare.
Amount: £6,000.
Deadline: 31 July 5:00pm.
More information and to apply: Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation.
Funding to raise awareness of issues faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
The Foundation has announced that it is keen to receive applications that ‘support work that raises awareness of the issues Gypsy and Traveller communities face, and work to combat hate crime, stigma, discrimination and inequalities, including the lack of appropriate accommodation or other service provision’.
Amount: The maximum grant available is £15,000 (either as a single grant or spread over two to three years) the average grant size is between £5,000 and £6,000.
Deadline: Applications can be made at any time. There are no fixed deadlines. Applications received will be considered at the next Trustees’ meeting. To be considered for the October 2024 meeting, applications should be received by the end of July/early August.
More information and to apply: Funding to raise awareness of issues faced by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities.
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. There will be a pre-application webinar 10.30am 16 July. Interested applications are encouraged to attend and should book a space online.
Amount: £7,500.
Deadline: The next funding round opens 26 July and closes 23 August 2024 for notification in October.
More information and to apply: McCarthy Stone Foundation - Community Grants.
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales - Deaf and Disabled people's organisations
This programme is aimed at registered charities and CICs which are led by and working for Deaf and Disabled people. Their organisation will work directly with Deaf and Disabled people over the long term to support them to have more choice and control over their lives, access their rights and entitlements and challenge the barriers they face.
Amount: The maximum grant is £75,000 for three years (£25,000 per year). It is anticipated that 42 organisations will receive funding.
Deadline: 28 August 5.00pm.
More information and to apply: Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales - deaf and disabled people's organisations.
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: Two levels of funding are available:
- Small Grants of between £250 and £1,000.
- Large Grants of between £25,000 and £100,000. The grant can be a one year grant, or split across two or three years.
Deadline: 9 September
More information and to apply: Leeds Building Society Foundation.
Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation
Grants are available for registered charities to support a range of good causes that will benefit those most in need. Priorities include ex-offenders and their families, homelessness, support for people with intellectual disability and care for the elderly.
Amount: Discretionary. Previous grants have ranged from £5,000 to £2.25 million.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation.
Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme
Grants are available for activity providers, communities, networks and organisations across the UK to develop new opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to become and stay active or help increase their levels of physical activity.
Amount: Grants of between £500 and £3,000 are available.
Deadline: This is a rolling programme and applications will be accepted until all of the funding has been allocated.
More information and to apply: Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme.
Morrisons Foundation
The funding is for specific projects which make a difference to people’s lives, with special consideration for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Capital spend or direct project delivery costs are supported.
Amount: £10,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Morrisons Foundation.
npower Business Solutions Foundation
Grants are available for not-for-profit and educational institutions within 50 miles of npower Business Solutions’ office in 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.
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.
Lippy People - Life. Loss. Learning. Legacy.
Starts mid August, runs for 10 weeks
For people who are neurodiverse and who are LGBTQ+ - this is a project about sharing stories of loss and life changing moments. People who take part share their stories and how they feel and give each other support. For more information about Lippy People - Life. Loss. Learning. Legacy email Peter or call 07877 504668.
Carers Leeds - Coffee and Paste drop-in
Every 2 weeks - next one 3 July, 6 - 8 The Headrow, LS1 6PT
Come along to this relaxed digital drop-in aimed at unpaid carers if you have any digital questions/problems you’d like answering face to face. For more information about Coffee and Paste drop-in sessions visit the Carers Leeds website.
Bitesize Basics digital skills videos for seniors
AbilityNet and BT Group are working in partnership to help improve the digital skills of older and digitally excluded people across the UK.
As part of this project they are sharing simple digital tips in a new range of 'Bitesize Basics' videos, specifically designed to share step by step, straightforward digital advice with people over 65. Visit the AbilityNet website to find out more about Bitesize Basics digital skills videos for seniors.
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.
How to help someone with low digital skills vote in the next election
This article from Good Things Foundation provides information and resources on supporting people to register to vote in UK elections. It also includes links to further resources for digital champions relating to a general election. To find out more about how to help someone with low digital skills vote in the next election visit the Good Things Foundation website.
Developing digital inclusion networks and tackling digital inequalities - Policy Brief
This policy brief highlights some of the findings and new knowledge from recent research projects and builds on their recommendations, and the existing evidence base, to offer five lessons for policymakers to inform local, regional, and national approaches to promoting digital inclusion. Read Developing digital inclusion networks and tackling digital inequalities on The British Academy website.
Charity Digital Exchange discounted Microsoft licenses
Through the Charity Digital Exchange (subject to eligibility), your organisation can access discounted Microsoft licenses. For more information about discounted Microsoft licenses visit the Charity Digital Exchange website.
CAST have a living library of resources to support organisations as they explore the challenges and opportunities associated with AI. To see the AI resources hub please visit the CAST website.
Leeds Older People’s Forum Manifesto for Change
Leeds Older People’s Forum has produced a Manifesto for Change in order to amplify the needs and concerns of older people in Leeds, and to influence politicians and policy-makers. Read the Manifesto for Change on the Leeds Older People's Forum website.
Leeds Older People's Forum Trending Elders quarterly survey
Trending elders is Leeds Older People’s Forum's quarterly survey of member organisations, through which they gather up-to-date intelligence on the issues affecting older people in Leeds. The January to March impact report is now available and can be read via the Leeds Older People's Forum website.
Leeds Online Safety Campaign
The Leeds Online Safety Campaign will work to support parents, carers and relevant professionals to help them feel confident in talking about online safety with the children they know and work with, so that children and young people know that they can always talk to someone about anything that is worrying them. Read more about the Leeds Online Safety Campaign on the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
An introduction to AI - a new animation from Good Things Foundation
AI is becoming increasingly prevalent in any discussion about technology, and is set to have a significant impact in the way the digital world is used. Good Things Foundation understands that not everyone knows what AI is or how it works, so to make this technical evolution easier to understand, they’ve just launched an animated video about AI. This short and fun video is an introduction to the basics of AI and how it’s used in our everyday lives. Watch the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence video on the Good Things Foundation website.
Digital Poverty Alliance National Delivery Plan 2024
The 2024 National Delivery Plan Overview builds on the latest research and stakeholder feedback, adding focuses on advancing the affordability of connectivity, enhancing media literacy and broadening access to digital services such as healthcare. Read the National Delivery Plan on the Digital Poverty Alliance website.
Specialist business support for social enterprises, cooperatives and community businesses
Free specialist support to help you start or grow an organisation that will help make communities in West Yorkshire into better places to live and work. Whether you’re an existing social enterprise, co-operative or other community business, or someone with a great ‘business for good’ idea this support can help with coaching, training, information and funding. For more information about specialist business support visit the Business For Good West Yorkshire website.
AbilityNet and Citizens Online charities announce merger
On 1 July 2024 AbilityNet and Citizens Online charities will merge, joining forces to support more digitally excluded people, and create stronger impact. Read the full article about the AbilityNet and Citizens Online merger on the AbilityNet website.
Digital skills, channel preferences and access needs for DWP customers
This Government research aimed to understand the level of digital skills of DWP customers. This includes which digital tools they use, which they would like to use and their ability to engage with digital products. It also aimed to quantify current access and support needs, including barriers to accessing digital channels and support needs required to access digital channels, and customer preferences by channel and self-serve. Read the full Digital skills, channel preferences and access needs for DWP customers report on the GOV.UK website.
Vacancies
Digital inclusion job vacancies and volunteering opportunities from across Leeds.
Voluntary Action Leeds Social Action Manager
Deadline - 10 July
Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) are looking for an exceptional candidate who is driven by the VAL values and a commitment to ensuring there is a thriving voluntary and community sector in Leeds which works with communities to enable positive social action. You’ll be an experienced leader, good at managing and developing people and working with a wide range of stakeholders within the voluntary and community sector, as well as VAL's public sector partners. For more information and to apply to the Social Action Manager role please visit the Voluntary Action Leeds 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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