Housing Associations can Power Up communities
A £1.3 million project has been launched to support people build their digital skills.
The Good Things Foundation have launched a £1.3 million project designed to support people in underserved communities build their digital skills.
‘Power Up’ will support activity in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as Bournemouth and East London. It is funded by JP Morgan and will be delivered in Scotland by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Despite widespread internet access, there is a deep divide between those who have the digital skills and confidence to benefit fully, and those who do not. The latest Ofcom release shows a 17% gap in internet use between adults in high and low socio-economic groups.
Informed by new research by the Good Things Foundation which makes important recommendations for government, corporates and civil society, Power Up aims to improve people’s digital skills, motivation and confidence by focussing on three key themes; jobs and skills, financial health and small business support.
Sally Dyson, Head of Digital Participation at SCVO said: “We are delighted to have partnered with JP Morgan and Good Things Foundation in developing the research which underpins the Power Up Fund. The Fund is a brilliant opportunity for organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh to tackle exclusion and build confidence by embedding the development essential digital skills in their work.”
Helen Milner OBE, Good Things Foundation Chief Executive, said: “The world we’re living in is changing rapidly, and although digital has the power to revolutionise both our lives and our work, many people are being left behind. That’s why we’re delighted to be working with J.P Morgan to deliver a new kind of initiative that will change how digital skills support is delivered. This initiative will have a significant impact on the lives of the people we’re supporting, and I know the learnings will have a long term impact on the sector, and the way digital skills support is delivered.”
Power Up is now looking for applicants who want to rise to this challenge, and organisations and partnerships interested in applying to Power Up should go to www.power-up.org.uk.