KCOM announces latest Digital Grant winners – could you be next?

Three groups helping to bridge the digital divide have been awarded KCOM Digital Grants.

Run With It, Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC and Pickering & Ferens Homes are the latest winners of the broadband provider’s Digital Grants scheme, which is run in partnership with the HEY Smile Foundation, aimed at grassroots organisations promoting digital inclusion.

Louise Babych, KCOM Community Impact Partner, said: “Our three latest Digital Grant winners all do brilliant work to improve digital inclusion; empowering local communities to make the most of everyday online opportunities.

“From Run With It’s programmes to teach kids valuable IT skills through the power of sport, to  Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC’s scheme offering online support for wellbeing and Pickering & Ferens’ plans to enable independent living for the elderly using smart technology, these are great schemes that will improve local lives for the better.”

The latest winners bring the total number of award recipients to nine since the grants were launched last year – and nearly £100,000 in funding to boost digital inclusion across the KCOM region.

Run With It, a charity based at the MKM Stadium which helps thousands of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds learn valuable IT skills through sport, will use its £5,000 grant to update its IT equipment to improve digital literacy.

Lisa Dawson, Run With It CEO, said: "Access to new IT equipment is a game-changer for Run With It. It empowers us to deliver more engaging, interactive learning experiences and ensures our students gain vital digital skills that are essential for success in today’s world. With this technology, we can reach more learners, bridge the digital divide, and continue to inspire confidence, creativity, and opportunity in every session."

Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC will spend its £5,00 grant to creating an interactive digital booklet to help individuals understand and manage the mental health impact of major life events such as bereavement, job loss and transitions to adulthood.

Jo Kent, Director and Co-Founder of Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC, said: “Receiving this grant from KCOM means the world to us.  It allows us to reach more people, offer more support, and continue building a community where wellbeing and hope are at the heart of everything we do.”

Pickering & Ferens Homes will create a smart tech enabled flat with its £10,000 grant.

Claire Warren, CEO of Pickering & Ferens Homes, said: “The KCOM digital inclusion grant provides us with a wonderful opportunity to develop a smart enabled flat designed for individuals who are considering a move to independent living. 

“We work hard to support residents at all stages of their life, to live independently and have a high quality of life. This assistive technology not only supports independence, but it also reduces the need for premature moves to residential care and reliance on health and social care services.”

The next window for Digital Grant applications opens on Monday, 14 July, and closes at the end of August. Any group in the  KCOM region who would like to find out more or apply for funding can visit here