January News from 100% Digital Leeds

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January 2025


Highlights from 100% Digital Leeds


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.

Do Community-Based Digital Health Inclusion Programmes Contribute to Tackling Health Inequalities in Disadvantaged Population Groups?

100% Digital Leeds partnered with University College London (UCL) on a study exploring if and how Digital Health Hubs in Leeds contribute to tackling health inequalities. The study has a specific focus on impacts on service-users and how these impacts are produced. Thank you to all of our community partners who contributed the research. Read more about Do Community-Based Digital Health Inclusion Programmes Contribute to Tackling Health Inequalities in Disadvantaged Population Groups? on the BioMed Central (BMC) website.

Designing Inclusive and Trusted Digital Health Services with People and Communities

The use of digital technology in our health care system is only going to grow. However, NHS patients struggle with aspects of digital health care. Current digitalisation and transformation approaches often fail to adequately involve users in service development, leading to unmet needs and expectations.

This week The King's Fund published a report outlining the challenges and potential solutions. 100% Digital Leeds contributed to the research and are mentioned in the piece. Read more about Designing Inclusive and Trusted Digital Health Services with People and Communities on the King's Fund website.


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.

Leeds Community Health and Wellbeing Service

100% Digital Leeds is supporting homecare providers Be Caring and Springfield Healthcare to embed digital inclusion into their offer as part of the new Leeds Community Health and Wellbeing Service. The 18 month pilot service aims to support over 200 clients across West Leeds in their own homes, providing a person centred approach to care and allowing staff increased capacity to engage clients with meaningful activities, including support with digital. Read the full Leeds Community Health and Wellbeing Service on the 100% Digital Leeds website.


The latest digital inclusion opportunities


Signposting for your members

We collect digital skills opportunities available for the individuals you support - perfect for signposting. To have your service included in our support pages so others can make use of or refer into it complete this form. Visit our Community Digital Support Directory to find out about digital access and support services in Leeds.

The Highrise Project - Digital Skills Sessions

45-minute slots, Armley Community Hub, LS12 1UQ

Learn essential digital skills with The Highrise Project in one-to-one sessions tailored to help individuals at risk of isolation. Sessions cover device confidence, IT basics, and how to navigate online. Attendees can also receive a free SIM card providing internet, texts, and calls for up to a year.
Book onto Digital Skills Sessions via the Calendly website.

Scope - Digital Inclusion Support

Every Wednesday, 10am to 2pm, Scope Leeds Hub, LS10 2JS

Supporting adults with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or physical disabilities, and the parents and carers of disabled children with the digital skills needed to engage with online applications such as EHCP, PIP, DLA and Universal Credit. Skills supported may involve setting up and managing emails, finding information online, and completing online forms. The support is aimed at those who do not have access to a laptop or computer at home. For more information about Digital Inclusion Support email Scope.

Cross Green Growing Together - Crtl Alt & Eat

Every Thursday, 12:30pm to 2:30pm, Cross Green Hub, LS9 0BL

Cross Green Growing Together is offering digital skills sessions, launching Thursday, 6 February. The sessions will cover essential digital skills, online safety, and navigating online forms. Attendees can enjoy a free hot lunch, meet others from the local community, and have a friendly chat in a welcoming environment. For more information about about Crtl Alt & Eat email Cross Green Growing Together.

Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme CIO - Take the First Steps Towards Digital Confidence

13 February, 18 March and 10 April, 10am to midday, Newman Centre, LS15 7JY

Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme CIO is offering free digital sessions designed to help people feel more confident online. Whether people need assistance setting up apps, creating online accounts, or using your phone or computer, one-to-one support and training workshops are available. Upcoming sessions cover topics like online safety, fuel poverty, and NHS Apps. For more information about Take the First Steps Towards Digital Confidence email Cross Gates & District Good Neighbours Scheme CIO.

Halifax - Digital Learning 

Halifax Digital offers a range of free online lessons to help individuals gain confidence in managing their money and staying safe online. From setting up devices to managing finances, the platform provides practical and easy to follow modules designed for everyday life. For more information about Digital Learning, visit the Halifax website.

Barclays - Digital Wings

Barclays Digital Wings is a free, digital learning platform designed to help users build essential digital and financial skills. With accessible and practical modules, it supports learners in navigating online tools and managing finances with confidence. For more information about Digital Wings, visit the Barclays website.

Lloyds Bank - Digital Skills Training and Helpline

Lloyds Bank is offering free, bespoke one-to-one digital skills training in partnership with the Digital Helpline. Designed to help individuals and their families build confidence online, these sessions cover everything from turning on a device and connecting to the internet to using Internet Banking safely and effectively. For more information about Digital Skills Training and Helpline, visit the Lloyds Bank website.

SIM gifting from Leeds Libraries 

To support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, community hubs and libraries across Leeds have 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.

For more information about Leeds Libraries SIM gifting, contact the relevant Library.

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.

For more information about Leeds Libraries tablet lending, contact the relevant Library.

Digital drop-ins at Leeds Libraries

Every week there are several digital drop-ins at libraries around the city, supporting people to use their tablet, smartphone or computer to try something new. People can take their device or use a library PC and talk to friendly librarians who will help them get started. Find the dates and locations of the Digital Drop-ins on the Leeds Inspired website.

Free data through the National Databank at O2 stores

O2 is offering free mobile data to those most in need, helping people stay connected to essential services like banking, job hunting, and staying in touch. Leeds O2 stores at Trinity, White Rose, and Crossgates now provide SIMs via the National Databank.

For more information about free data at O2 stores, visit the O2 website


Events and training for you and your staff

Details of upcoming digital inclusion events and training opportunities for organisations supporting digital inclusion.

Safer Internet Day 2025: Unmasking Fake News and Navigating AI Safely

11 February, 1pm to 3pm, online

Bradford City Council and Kirklees Council, in collaboration with Bradford District Credit Union (BDCU), invite organisations to a webinar on fake news, AI, and online scams. Organised as part of International Safer Internet Day 2025, this event is promoted through the Credit Union global network. The session includes expert speakers, practical advice, real-world insights, and a live Q&A. Book onto Safer Internet Day 2025: Unmasking Fake News and Navigating AI Safely via the Eventbrite website.

AbilityNet - Tips to Make Your Smartphone Easier to Use

26 February, 1pm to 3:45pm, online

AbilityNet invites individuals to a free webinar designed to help make smartphones more accessible. The session will explore practical adjustments to enhance usability. Aimed at older adults and those facing common accessibility challenges, the webinar will cover key settings and features to improve the user experience. For more information about Tips to Make Your Smartphone Easier to Use, visit the AbilityNet website.

Forum Central - Host a Student Nurse for a 4-week Digital Placement

21 April to 16 May, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT

Leeds Trinity University invites organisations to host student nurses for a 4-week Digital Placement aimed at enhancing digital skills and promoting health in the Leeds City Region. Developed in collaboration with Neoniq Training Solutions and aligned with NHS priorities, these placements are part of the second year of the nursing degree programme. For more information about Host a Student Nurse for a 4-week Digital Placement, visit the Forum Central website.

CAST - Getting started with AI

CAST offers a free, seven-week email course designed to help individuals explore the basics of AI in a practical and approachable way. Each week, participants receive a guided activity aimed at building confidence with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gamma, while learning how AI can make work life easier. No technical skills are required, just a laptop with internet access and a willingness to learn. For more information about Getting started with AI, visit the CAST website.

Digital Unite - 'Helping Learners Stay Safe Online', and 'Finding Affordable Internet' eLearning courses

Digital Unite offers two free 10-minute CPD-certified courses to support learners across the UK. 'Helping Learners Stay Safe Online' provides essential guidance on online safety, beneficial for both new users and experienced champions. 'Finding Affordable Internet' helps individuals discover affordable internet deals, including how to switch to social tariffs. Both courses come with a certificate and course notes upon completion. For more information about 'Helping Learners Stay Safe Online', and 'Finding Affordable Internet' eLearning courses, visit 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 with 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.

Parental Controls and Keeping Children Safe Online for Digital Champions

4 February, midday to 1pm, online

Join this session with Capgemini to explore the key tools and strategies for keeping children safe online. Designed for digital champions, this workshop covers parental controls, safe browsing, and how to involve children in online safety conversations. Gain practical advice to help parents and guardians create a secure digital environment for their families. Book onto Parental Controls and Keeping Children Safe Online for Digital Champions via Eventbrite.

National Databank Information session

27 February, 10am to 11am, online

This session is for organisations who are not yet part of or are already 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 Information session via Eventbrite

Supporting Basic Digital Skills with Learn My Way

11 March, 1pm to 2pm, online

Learn My Way is a free learning platform from Good Things Foundation that is designed to help people learn basic digital skills. The topics are all aligned with the Essential Digital Skills Framework and range from turning on your device and using a mouse or touch screen through to working with Office programs.

This is a great session for anyone who is new to supporting people to learn digital skills, whether you're a digital champion, tutor or hub manager. Book onto Supporting Basic Digital Skills with Learn My Way via Eventbrite


Tools and resources

Tools and resources to help inform, shape, and develop your digital inclusion offer. Practical advice, worksheets, and session plans for use in digital skills sessions can be found on the Digital Inclusion Google Drive

Lloyds Bank - 2024 Consumer Digital Index

Lloyds Banking Group has launched the 2024 edition of the Consumer Digital Index, the UK’s most extensive study of digital and financial behaviours. Since its inception in 2016, the report has analysed both transactional and survey data to reveal key trends. Read the 2024 Consumer Digital Index report on the Lloyds Bank website.

Digital Poverty Alliance - 2023-2024 Impact Report

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has published its 2023-2024 Impact report, highlighting key milestones in tackling digital poverty across the UK. The report showcases innovative programmes like Tech4Families and Tech4YoungCarers, which provide devices, connectivity, and skills to underserved communities, alongside impactful research on generative AI and educational outcomes. Read the 2023-2024 Impact Report on the Digital Poverty Alliance website.

Good Things Foundation - What Works? Co-Lab for Digital Inclusion

Good Things Foundation has launched What Works? Co-Lab, a new initiative designed to drive collaboration, evidence, and innovation in digital inclusion. This initiative brings together research, policy, and best practice to support systemic change, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to action and partnership. Through test and learn projects, What Works? Co-Lab will explore new challenges and measure impact using robust data and insights. For more information about What Works? Co-Lab, visit the Good Things Foundation website.

Green Alliance - Making the Connection: Ending Digital Exclusion with Reused Devices

A new report explores the challenges of digital exclusion and e-waste in the UK, focusing on how device redistribution can address both issues. Bridging these gaps could significantly reduce e-waste, enhance digital inclusion, and deliver meaningful social and environmental benefits across the UK. Read the Making the Connection: Ending Digital Exclusion with Reused Devices report on the Green Alliance website.

Good Things Foundation – Virgin Media O2 Pledges to Donate Thousands of Devices to National Device Bank

Virgin Media O2 has committed to donating up to 12,000 smartphones this year to support those in need of digital access. Around 1,000 pre-owned devices per month will be refurbished, data-wiped, and distributed through charity partners, including Good Things Foundation and Hubbub. The National Device Bank will allocate some of these devices to organisations within the National Digital Inclusion Network, ensuring they reach individuals who need them most. For more information about Virgin Media O2 Pledges to Donate Thousands of Devices to National Device Bank, visit the Good Things Foundation website

Trussell Trust and Good Things Foundation - Exploring the Relationship Between Deep Poverty and Digital Exclusion

In partnership with WPI Economics, Trussell Trust and Good Things Foundation have released a report which examines the evidence connecting digital exclusion with deep poverty across the UK, shedding light on how these issues intersect and affect vulnerable communities. Read the Exploring the Relationship Between Deep Poverty and Digital Exclusion report on the Good Things Foundation website.

Computers 4 Charity - Refurbished Computers and Laptops Available to Buy at Reduced Prices

Computers 4 Charity collects surplus IT donations from businesses and individuals across the UK. Each device is professionally data-wiped, refurbished, and upgraded to extend its life and contribute to a sustainable circular economy. Charities and nonprofits can benefit from an exclusive 10% discount on their orders by using the code CHARITYDIGITAL10 at checkout. For more information about Refurbished Computers and Laptops Available to Buy at Reduced Prices, visit the Computers 4 Charity 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.

Effective Bid Writing

25 March, 10am to 11am, online

Do you struggle writing successful funding bids? This session will take you through the key practical steps in describing the essential elements of your project, to tell funders what they need to know. Book onto Effective Bid Writing via the TryBooking website

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: Up to £5,000.

Deadline: 12 February.

More information and to apply: Clarion Futures Digital Grants.

Delamere Dairy Foundation

Grants are available to charitable and community organisations in England, Scotland and Wales to support projects that deliver benefits for local communities.

Amount: Up to £5,000.

Deadline: 28 February.  

More information and to apply: Delamere Dairy Foundation.

Weaver's Company Benevolent Fund

Grants are available for UK registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations that can demonstrate impact with ex-offenders, young offenders or young people at risk of offending, either within a local area or nationally.

Amount: Discretionary.

Deadline: 13 March.

More information and to apply: Weaver's Company Benevolent Fund.

National Lottery Awards for All

Grants are available for charities, voluntary groups, schools and local authorities in England to carry out projects that will improve their local community.

Amount: Up to £20,000.

Deadline: Rolling.

More information and to apply: National Lottery Community Fund.

INCLUDE+ Exploratory Projects Funding Call 2024-2025

Grants are available to third sector, public sector, and industry organisations to support projects that enhance digital equity through innovative and experimental initiatives.

Amount: Up to £5,000.

Deadline: Rolling.

More information and to apply: INCLUDE+ Exploratory Projects Funding Call 2024-2025.


Contact 100% Digital Leeds

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.