By Groups and organisations in North East Lincolnshire encouraged to bid for share of £30,000
Voluntary and community groups and organisations in North East Lincolnshire are being encouraged to bid for a share of £30,000 to support local people to access and use online services.
This comes after the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many services across the health, employment and welfare sectors moving online.
But those without access to WiFi or knowledge of how to use the internet may struggle to access these services now that many of them have moved online.
The increasing presence of online services during the pandemic has highlighted the “digital divide” in the borough, according to North East Lincolnshire Council.
As a result, funding is now available to voluntary and community sector organisations to help them support individuals and families to access digital services and get assistance for online use.
A NELC spokesperson said: “The funding aims to reduce the number of people locally that are unable to access or benefit from digital and online services and support, create a network of digital champions in community facilities where people can get help and advice on how to use / access online services and promote awareness of places where people can gain access to free Wi-Fi.”
The funding must be spent before the end of March 2022, and the organisation must demonstrate how their project will become sustainable beyond April 2022, or how it will be adapted so that digital support remains in place for those who need it.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said: “We want to make it easier for people to get online and have access and support to digital resources. This includes free Wi-Fi hotspots to encourage better take up in areas that have low rates of access to online services, training to give people the skillset they need to confidently and safely use the internet, and in some cases, providing equipment to those who cannot afford it.
“We really want to support people to get online, especially due to the circumstances we now find ourselves in, heavily relying on digital use and often access to more affordable utilities, insurance etc. which is only available online.
“I’d encourage as many voluntary and community groups and organisations to get involved in making a difference in our community, working together in partnership to address the digital gap and enabling people to access real time information, advice, support and to reduce their monthly bills.”
Voluntary sector community groups and organisations can request further information about the funding available by contacting Stephen McGrath on stephen.mcgrath@nelincs.gov.uk.
The deadline to submit a bid for a share of the £30,000 is midnight on Monday 30 August 2021.
