Digital Inclusion covers digital skills, accessibility and connectivity that are vital for people to be able to access services and use digital devices. As a company that's been at the heart of the local community for more than 120 years, we don’t want anyone to be left behind in an increasingly digital world. That’s why we offer social tariffs, regular IT sessions for our more vulnerable customers and our Digital Inclusion Grants which provide community funding to help bridge the digital divide.
Our Partners: HEY Smile Foundation
We’re partnering with HEY Smile Foundation to award local groups and charities with grants of between
£5K-£15K to address the digital divide. We’ll be giving out awards twice a year for projects that promote online inclusion, connect generations, and help boost digital skills across the Humber.
A word from our partner
"KCOM has shown real commitment to ensuring grassroot groups which underpin our local community are supported through this new fund. Not only has KCOM committed funding through its new digital grants but through other community initiatives and engagement. KCOM put people first and through its regular community activities keep community at the heart of every day business. We are proud to work alongside KCOM making local peoples' lives that little bit better".
Jamie Lewis
CEO, HEY Smile Foundation
Winner Stories - City of Hull Sport & Community Group
Our Digital Grant has provided "a lifeline" for the local community to gain access to training and services, creating online opportunities and expanding horizons for those who were previously digitally excluded. Watch the video to see the difference it's making.
Winner Stories - Goodwin Development Trust
It's never been more vital to have digital skills in an increasingly online world. The Goodwin Development Trust is using its grant to employ a Digital Skills Tutor to support the local community - providing training that will help change lives. Click play to hear the Goodwin story.
Charities funded so far
"The funding from KCOM will enable us to open our Carers' Hub – a dedicated place for carers to meet other carers and find out information from our expert team. The grant will help us to provide digital solutions for carers; whether it’s free Wi-Fi, using a computer or copying documents with support from our digital tutors. All of which supports carers to become independent, feel less isolated and benefit from the company of others."
Rosa Torraca
Service Delivery Manager – Careers Support, North Lincolnshire
“We've never had equipment like this ever – we have always cobbled what we could together. It is going to make such a difference to expand our digital reach and delivery - allowing us to reach so many more young people remotely now we have this technology to do so."
Claire Crosbie
KIDS Yorkshire
“The Digital Grant we received has allowed us to provide the local community access to digital devices. The support we give has had a positive impact on their lives. Daily tasks like paying a bill, sending an email or applying for a job, have been made less stressful. Offering a quiet and dedicated space, where children can come and use the laptops, has made doing homework easier. This has all been made possible, thanks to the digital grant.”
Bob Beautyman
City of Hull Sport & Community Group
“Through this grant we will inspire children and families across Hull by introducing them to a range of attainable and exciting career paths in the creative and digital sectors. This project doesn’t just focus on young people, we’re also bridging the digital divide for parents, grandparents, and carers through shared learning family workshops. Through this project we will open children’s eyes to careers in the creative industries, which make up six per cent of the UK economy, and maybe we’ll inspire a future Disney animator, a groundbreaking game designer, or a future digital architect who shapes virtual worlds.”
Rebecca Shipham
Creative Briefs
“The grant is a game changer for Goodwin as now we can employ a digital skills tutor who can work with those who are digital excluded, helping to reduce the national digital divide and support people to develop basic ICT skills. We will also be able to progress them into accredited ICT qualifications that will not only help them connect with people but also help them secure work.”
Lloyd Dobbs
The Goodwin Hub
“This grant from KCOM will empower Reel Creative to run our tech program, providing disadvantaged and SEND kids with hands-on access to cutting-edge digital tools like VR and AI. This funding is a lifeline to bridging the digital divide and nurturing the next generation of creators and innovators.”
Adam Storch
Reel Creative
"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"
Jo Kent, Director and Co-Founder
Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC
“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."
Lisa Dawson, CEO
Run With It
“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".
Claire Warren, CEO
Pickering and Ferens Homes
How do I apply for a grant?
For more information, please visit the following webpage or simply scan the QR code provided below
kcom.com/digitalinclusiongrants
