|
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.
Digital Volunteering Matchmaking Event 2025
Leeds Digital Volunteering Partnership is hosting an in-person networking event on Tuesday 29 April, from 10am to midday. The aim of the event is to foster collaboration between Leeds’s charity and tech sectors, increasing the city’s capacity to support digital inclusion.
We’re looking for attendees who represent either a business or VCSE organisation based in, or delivering services in, Leeds. Representatives should be organisational leaders with enough influence to action any commitments made. Example roles include CSR/ESG Leads, Volunteer Managers, and Digital Inclusion Officers.
Book your place and read more about Digital Volunteering Matchmaking Event 2025 on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
To understand more about how tech companies and community organisations can partner to support the digital inclusion of people and communities in Leeds read our latest partner profile outlining how Leeds Older People’s Forum and Axiologik partnered with Southlands Retirement Apartments to support digital inclusion for residents.
Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust launches new digital offer for patients
From the end of April 2025 Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust patients will have access to the Trust's new digital offer, including having the option to receive letters digitally.
The article also includes details and booking information for 'Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust’s digital offer for patients: briefing event for community partners' taking place 1 May, 10-11am, via Teams.
For more details of the upcoming changes, and a short briefing video, read Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust launches new digital offer for patients on the 100% Digital Leeds website.
Have your say on contacting Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council is planning new and improved ways for you to get in touch, making it easier, faster, and more convenient. We want to make sure that the changes are accessible for all, easy to use, and will meet the needs of our customers. So we need your input to help guide us.
Your feedback is key. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey and help shape the future of customer service in Leeds: Have Your Say Today - Customer Transformation The closing date is 4 April.
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.
Southlands Retirement Apartments
100% Digital Leeds has supported residents of Westward Care’s Southlands Retirement Apartments to partner with Leeds Older People’s Forum and Leeds tech company Axiologik, to improve residents’ digital skills and confidence. Southlands Retirement Apartments is a collection of retirement apartments situated in Roundhay in the north of Leeds. These self-contained apartments allow older people to lead an independent life and run their own home while also having the option of care and support should they need it. Read the full Southlands Retirement Apartments 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.
Out Together - Digital Inclusion Training
Regular Digital Inclusion Training, Leeds City Centre and Online
Out Together has started running two-hour Digital Inclusion Training every Thursday for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The sessions can be joined either in-person or online. The aim of the sessions is to help people navigate and benefit from an increasingly digital world, while also reducing social isolation. A different topic is covered each week, with refreshments available and "Digital Buddies" on hand to offer extra support. Digital Inclusion training is open to members only. If you would like to join the sessions, please register your details with Out Together and read and accept the Members' Agreement. Once you have done this, you will receive Members' Updates with details about upcoming events, including Digital Inclusion Training.
Leeds Older People's Forum - Age Friendly Ambassador Get Together
7 April, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Virgin Money, LS1 6NP
Join this workshop for Age Friendly Ambassadors focused on digital inclusion. Learn about the support available from 100% Digital Leeds, Neighbourhood Networks, and other local services. Contribute to a discussion on enhancing the digital offerings across Leeds. Book onto Age Friendly Ambassador Get Together via email.
Leeds Sensory Services - Unlock the Power of Technology: Digital Skills for the Visually Impaired
Mondays, 1pm to 3pm, 5th Floor, Gallery House, LS1 5RD
Join these technology workshops designed to support visually impaired individuals in developing digital skills for greater accessibility and independence. Whether new to assistive technology or looking to expand existing knowledge, participants will gain confidence navigating the digital world.
Upcoming sessions:
14 April - Payments Using Smartphones
28 April - Using AI in the Workplace
12 May - Accessibility Basics on Office 365
19 May - Navigation Software
Sessions are free and open to individuals and professionals supporting others. Book onto Unlock the Power of Technology: Digital Skills for the Visually Impaired via email.
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.
Digital Poverty Alliance - Partnering for Impact: How Collaboration Drives Digital Inclusion
2 April, 1pm to 2pm, online
Join this webinar on how business-charity partnerships can drive digital inclusion across the UK. As part of All Digital Weeks 2025, the session will reflect on the success of Tech4Families, which has supported over 2,200 families with access to devices, connectivity, and digital skill. Book onto Partnering for Impact: How Collaboration Drives Digital Inclusion via Zoom.
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.
How to Support Older People to Get Online
1 April, 11am to midday, online
Join this session to explore effective approaches for helping older people develop digital skills. Learn from network members’ experiences in supporting older learners, including key insights from programme delivery and evaluation. Discover best practices, common barriers, and strategies to engage and motivate older people to start their digital journey. Book onto How to Support Older People to Get Online via Eventbrite.
Supporting People with Learning Disabilities to Use Digital
8 April, midday to 1pm, online
This session will cover the barriers that people with learning disabilities might face to using digital, how digital exclusion affects people with learning disabilities, and how we can adapt our support to meet their needs. Book onto Supporting People with Learning Disabilities to Use Digital via Eventbrite.
Your Digital Inclusion Bid Toolkit
23 April, midday to 1pm, online
This session will focus on how to create your own 'Bid Toolkit' so that you have easy access to all the information you need to complete any bid to fund your digital inclusion work. Funders often ask the same, or very similar, questions, and having pre-prepared answers to these questions can save you a huge amount of time. Book onto Your Digital Inclusion Bid Toolkit 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 - Digital Futures for Good Final Report
Digital Futures for Good explores key themes from a flagship conversation series on digital inclusion. The report examines barriers to getting online, the role of leadership, digital skills, affordable access, inclusive digital services, and community support. Featuring insights from experts, policymakers, and those with lived experience, it highlights the challenges and opportunities in creating a more inclusive digital future. For more information about Digital Futures for Good Final Report, visit the Good Things Foundation website.
NHS - Tackling Digital Exclusion and Health Literacy: How Libraries Can Help Bridge the Gap Blog
Learn how digital exclusion and low health literacy impact healthcare access and what can be done to bridge the gap. This blog by Dr Vin Diwakar and Professor Bola Owolabi highlights the role of libraries in supporting digital health inclusion, outlining key initiatives and resources available. Read the Tackling Digital Exclusion and Health Literacy: How Libraries Can Help Bridge the Gap Blog on the NHS 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.
Warburtons Families Matter Community Grants Programme
Small grants are available for local projects, activities and organisations that have charitable aims and that will be of real direct benefit to families.
Amount: Up to £400.
Deadline: 5 May.
More information and to apply: Warburtons Families Matter Community Grants Programme.
Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity Grants
Grants are available for small local registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, and community interest companies based outside of London, working with people experiencing economic inequity because of their race or ethnicity.
Amount: Up to £75,000.
Deadline: 29 May.
More information and to apply: Lloyds Bank Foundation Racial Equity Grants.
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: 11 June.
More information and to apply: Clarion Futures Digital Grants.
Womble Bond Dickinson Foundation Grants
Grants are available for registered charities across the UK to deliver projects and activities that make a strong, positive impact in local communities.
Amount: Up to £5,000.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Womble Bond Dickinson Foundation.
Barchester Healthcare Foundation Grants
Grants are available for small local groups and small local charities to improve the quality of life and combat loneliness in older people as well as adults with a physical or mental disability.
Amount: Up to £2,500.
Deadline: Rolling.
More information and to apply: Barchester Healthcare 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.
|
