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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
Every year, 100% Digital Leeds reports to a Leeds City Council Scrutiny Board. For our report this year, we’re looking back on some of our highlights from the last 12 months as well as looking back over the last 10 years since Scrutiny Board’s original inquiry into digital inclusion. The report includes examples of our work with partners across the third sector, health and care, council colleagues, universities, and the private sector. It also includes impact evidence in the form of testimonials, partner profiles, academic research, and case studies highlighting some of our work over the last year. .
Digital Inclusion Action Plan
On 26 February the government launched the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, marking the first step of a new, ambitious approach to tackling digital exclusion. Over the last few months, the 100% Digital Leeds team has worked with colleagues at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to help shape the Action Plan. This included arranging a Ministerial visit to Better Leeds Communities last year, and a focus group call earlier this month where the Deputy Head of the Secretary of State’s Delivery Unit heard from ten of our strategic partners and delivery partners. We’re especially pleased to see the pledge to ‘Launch a new Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support and expand local community initiatives to get people online’. Read the full Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps document on the gov.uk website.
Databank User Group
The Databank User Group brings together organisations gifting free data SIM cards via Good Things Foundation’s National Databank. The group is hosted by 100% Digital Leeds in partnership with Good Things Foundation. The group meets quarterly, with the aim of working together to identify any operational challenges, solutions, and successes relating to SIM gifting. Member organisations also share best practice and ideas on how to identify, engage, and support those experiencing data poverty. Read more about Databank User Group on the 100% Digital Leeds 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.
Out Together
Out Together is a charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community across Yorkshire. Throughout 2024 the organisation worked with 100% Digital Leeds to embed digital inclusion into their existing offer, positioning digital as an enabler to combat loneliness and isolation for their older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer members. Their digital support offer was co-designed with members, ensuring it was person centred and relevant to the needs of their participants. Read the full Out Together partner profile on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
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.
Leeds Sensory Services - Digital Skills for the Visually Impaired
Every Monday, 1pm to 3pm, Gallery House, LS1 5RD
Supporting visually impaired individuals in developing essential digital skills to enhance accessibility and independence. Sessions cover a range of assistive technologies, including magnification settings, screen readers, navigation software, and AI tools for the workplace. Whether new to assistive technology or looking to expand existing skills, attendees will gain practical knowledge to navigate the digital world with confidence. Sessions are free and open to individuals and professionals supporting others. For more information about Digital Skills for the Visually Impaired email Leeds Sensory Services.
Caring Hands - Digital Support Sessions
Every Monday, 3pm to 4pm, North Leeds Medical Practice, LS17 6PZ
Providing free six-week digital support sessions to help individuals build confidence in using everyday technology. Sessions cover essential digital skills, including navigating a tablet, sending emails, using social media, exploring game apps, and making the most of WhatsApp. Support is also available for accessing the NHS App and Patchs for healthcare services. For more information about Digital Support Sessions, telephone Beverley Kite on 07808736339.
Holbeck Together - Digital Hub
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9am to 1pm, St Matthews Community Centre, LS11 9NS
Holbeck Together provides access to its Digital Hub during staffed hours for internet use, drop-ins, and appointments. Support is available for essential digital skills, including getting online, using email, browsing safely, and accessing online services. Whether looking to improve confidence with technology or needing help with specific tasks, visitors can receive guidance in a welcoming environment. For more information about Digital Hub email Holbeck Together.
Drighlington Digital - Digital Drop-In Sessions
Every Thursday, 10am to 1pm, Drighlington Methodist Church, BD11 1EL
Join Drighlington Digital's Digital Drop-In Sessions, offering guidance to help you improve your digital skills. Whether it's setting up your device, learning new software, or navigating the internet, the sessions provide one-to-one support. A wifi cafe is also available, offering a relaxed space for assistance with online tasks. For more information about Digital Drop-In Sessions email Drighlington Digital.
Digital Support and SIM Gifting - Virgin Money
Financial Wellbeing Sessions
Covers key topics including savings, budgeting, online banking, credit scores, fraud awareness, and mortgages. Tailored to suit the needs of organisations or community groups.
Digital Know How Sessions
Focuses on essential digital skills such as downloading apps, using online health tools, online banking, eSafety, frauds and scams support. The content of the sessions can be flexible and tailored to meet the needs of an organisation or group.
Sessions are available at Virgin Money branches (Leeds City Centre, Cross Gates, Moortown, Hunslet) or can be delivered in community locations. Sessions last approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
SIM Gifting - Available in all Virgin Money stores via the National Databank
For more details or to arrange a session, contact Lesley Dutton or Donna Lamb via email.
Groundwork Yorkshire Workshops
All activities take place at Groundwork, LS27 9SL
Digital Skills Workshop - starts 29 April, 10am to 1pm. The sessions will run weekly for 10 weeks every Tuesday.
This workshop is ideal for those looking to develop their digital abilities. Participants will gain hands-on experience with practical digital skills.
Family History Online - starts 29 April, 2pm to 5pm. The sessions will run weekly for 10 weeks every Tuesday.
This course is designed to improve digital literacy through family history research. Learners will work individually, in small groups, and with a tutor.
Digital Art Workshop - 7 April, 11am to 1pm. A single session. Cost: £10.
This workshop offers an introduction to digital art techniques, suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance their creativity.
Smartphone Workshop for Apple - 8 April, 10am to midday. A single session. Cost: £5.
Learn how to use your Apple smartphone effectively, covering key features, settings, and useful tips.
Smartphone Workshop for Android - 8 April, 1pm to 3pm. A single session. Cost: £5.
Designed for Android users, this session will cover essential functions, settings, and tips to get the most out of your device.
Please contact Groundwork Yorkshire via email before applying to check availability or for more details about the course.
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.
North East & Yorkshire NHS App Training - Back to Basics and Refresher Session
5 March, 12:30pm to 2pm, online
The North East & Yorkshire Regional Primary Care Transformation Team, in partnership with the Digital Citizen Programme, is hosting a 90-minute refresher session on the NHS App. Designed for professionals from all sectors interested in supporting patients to access the NHS app, including Practice Level Staff, App Ambassadors, Digital & Transformation Leads, and wider colleagues in the third sector or Local Authorities, this session will cover key features, functions, and best practices. Attendees will gain confidence in using and promoting the NHS App to patients. For more information about Back to Basics and Refresher Session, visit the NHS website.
AbilityNet - Top Travel Apps for Seniors on the Go
18 March, 11am to 11:45am, online
AbilityNet is hosting a webinar designed to help older people enhance their travel experiences through digital tools. This session will explore travel-related apps that provide real-time transport updates, accessibility options, and parking solutions like RingGo. Attendees will learn how to book transport online and discover senior-friendly destinations. For more information about Top Travel Apps for Seniors on the Go, visit the AbilityNet 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.
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.
Hub Drop-in - Digital Inclusion
26 March, 11am to midday, online
This session is for organisations new to or already part of the National Digital Inclusion Network. Connect with experienced ambassador hubs to ask questions, explore best practices, and discuss how to enhance your digital inclusion offer. Topics may include using Learn My Way with learners and accessing the National Databank. The session will be informal and participant-led, providing a space to share ideas and gain insights from others. Book onto Hub Drop-in - Digital Inclusion via Eventbrite.
National Databank Information Session
27 March, 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.
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.
Good Things Foundation - Minimum Digital Living Standard
Good Things Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, and other partners, has launched a new animation on Safer Internet Day, highlighting the importance of the Minimum Digital Living Standard. This initiative helps identify what people need for digital inclusion and who may be at risk of falling below the standard. For more information about Minimum Digital Living Standard, visit the Good Things Foundation website.
Vodafone - Free SIMs via Charities.Connected
Vodafone’s Charities.Connected initiative provides free mobile connectivity to support charities tackling digital exclusion. Eligible organisations can apply for free Vodafone SIMs, each preloaded with 40GB of data per month for six months, plus unlimited calls and texts. These SIMs can be used flexibly, whether to connect service users or support digital skills training. Applications are currently closed and will reopen during the week of 10 March. For more information about Free SIMs via Charities.Connected, visit the Vodafone 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.
Community Matters - Funding Fair 2025
17 March to 19 March, online
Building on the success of previous online funding fairs, this year’s event will take place from 17 March to 19 March. Last year saw over 2,000 bookings across the three days, and the aim is to support and inspire even more attendees in 2025. Days two and three will feature national funders, with all sessions remaining free and online via Zoom. Funders will explain what funding they have and also how the application process works. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. You will need to book separately for each session you wish to attend.
For more information about Funding Fair 2025, visit the Community Matters website.
Postcode Neighbourhood Trust - North of England
Grants are available for smaller charities and not-for-profit organisations in the North of England to support projects that align with themes such as tackling inequality, preventing poverty, and improving mental health. Funding is unrestricted and can be used flexibly, including for digital inclusion initiatives that support these outcomes.
Amount: Up to £25,000.
Deadline: 31 March.
More information and to apply: Postcode Neighbourhood Trust - North of England.
Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation
Grants are available for UK registered charities supporting people experiencing hardship and/or underserved groups, with a focus on access to housing and financial wellbeing, including improving digital competence for managing finances.
Amount: Up to £10,000.
Deadline: 1 May.
More information and to apply: Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation.
WCIT - IT4Good Grant Programme
Grants are available for not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver IT projects and activities that support the themes of education, inclusion, IT for charities, and understanding of IT.
Amount: £15,000.
Deadline: 7 May.
More information and to apply: WCIT - IT4Good Grant Programme.
The Hedley Foundation
Grants are available for UK registered charities supporting projects that demonstrate quantifiable outcomes for beneficiaries. Funding can be used to improve employability, social inclusion, and wellbeing, which may include digital initiatives that contribute to these outcomes.
Amount: Up to £5,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: The Hedley Foundation.
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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