Community Projects Improve Digital Skills in Yorkshire

Partnership supports digital literacy and employability

A year into their three-year initiative, organisations funded through the QFutures Community Fund have reported progress in enhancing digital skills and confidence among local residents in Leeds and Bradford.

The QFutures Community Fund is a collaboration between Leeds Community Foundation and Quickline, a rural broadband provider rolling out full fibre broadband across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. As part of their commitment to investing in local communities, Quickline partnered with community foundations to support projects aimed at improving digital literacy and practical skills.

Project achievements after one year

• 682 people supported overall
• 281 people improved their digital literacy
• 206 people developed practical skills
• 167 people reported increased confidence

In Leeds and Bradford, eight community organisations received funding to provide digital skills training to families, focusing on employability. Activities include digital drop-in sessions, access to laptops and tablets, and teaching online skills. Many groups offer support in multiple languages to ensure accessibility.

Case study: Give a Gift’s Digital Welcome Hub

One of the funded projects, Give a Gift’s Digital Welcome Hub, targets refugees, asylum seekers, and communities facing racial inequity. Over three years, it aims to enhance digital and employment skills through various activities such as:

• Helping parents and carers with job searching and CV writing
• Facilitating access to public services online
• Engaging children and young people with coding games, digital art, and online safety education

The project incorporates translation and language support, introductory digital skills, and a focus on online safety to ensure accessibility. After the first year, the project reported:

• 40 people improved their digital literacy
• 35 people increased their confidence and self-esteem
• 2 people became self-employed or gained employment

According to Give a Gift, the project is helping to reduce digital exclusion and develop practical skills that support participants’ education, employment prospects, and broader societal participation.

Looking ahead

With two years remaining in the funded projects, Leeds Community Foundation and Quickline anticipate further positive impacts on digital inclusion and community development in the region.

Source: Leeds Community Foundation