1,800 people supported to get online

More than 1,800 people in Leeds have been supported to be active and safe online, thanks to the second round of Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund. 

The fund, a partnership with Leeds City Council’s 100% Digital Leeds team and Leeds Digital Ball, invests in local community organisations to support people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to access vital services in today’s digital world. 

The 10 organisations funded in the second round of the programme have provided tailored support that meets the unique needs of their communities. Some have worked with older people, others with those experiencing poverty, while some have supported disabled people, ex-offenders or those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. 

The impact of this digital inclusion work has stretched further than digital access alone, providing wider benefits for those who have taken part. 573 people have increased their income, 494 reduced their debt, and 456 are better able to stay warm and heat their homes. Additionally, 568 say their wellbeing has improved and 572 have better social networks. 

One organisation, The Highrise Project, helped people to develop digital skills through art. While creating animation, photography and video, participants gained skills in web searching, file management and social media use, as well as creative arts. They shared the story of one of their participants. 

“B joined the creative digital workshop. His trauma meant he was not able to recall his previous knowledge of technology, as well as not engaging with technology for a long period of time. This meant his confidence with using any digital media was very low. With support from us he was able to begin using devices and began to create drawings, photos and videos. Through this work he started to create homemade videos expressing his feelings and emotions and began to create videos with the groups he worked with to support other participants. B feels more confident and uses digital tools regularly to improve his quality of life.” 

Since the programme began in 2022, we’ve made 24 grants to 20 community organisations, investing over £200,000. Through the first 2 rounds, more than 2,100 people have been supported. The third round of grants was awarded in 2024, and we look forward to sharing the additional impact they have once those grants are complete.