Quickline is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a unique prize in a new competition, as part of a wider mission to tackle digital equality and ensure rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have access to fast, reliable internet.
Thu, 10/07/2025 - 11:06
KCOM has awarded three new KCOM Digital Grants to the latest winners helping to bridge the digital divide, as part of a scheme which is run in partnership with the HEY Smile Foundation, aimed at grassroots organisations promoting digital inclusion.
The three groups, Run With It, Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC and Pickering & Ferens Homes, each win a significant grant used to help enhance their work combatting digital exclusion.
Louise Babych, KCOM Community Impact Partner, said: “Our three latest Digital Grant winners all do 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 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 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds learn 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 will help Run With It 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 £5,000 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 into adulthood.
Jo Kent, Director and Co-Founder of Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC said: “Receiving this grant from KCOM 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 the opportunity to develop a smart enabled flat designed for individuals who are considering a move to independent living.
“This assistive technology not only supports residents’ independence, but it also reduces the need for premature moves to residential care and reliance on health and social care services.”
