The Leeds Digital Ball returns for 2023

The highly anticipated return of the Leeds Digital Ball this year sees a huge response in sponsors who want to be a part of the incredible movement towards achieving digital inclusion for all in Leeds.

Aiming to tackle the underlying causes of digital exclusion, the Leeds Digital Charity Ball has been set up to highlight the challenges caused by the digital divide. The event will raise funds for community organisations, via the Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund, who provide support and access to technology, increasing digital inclusion in a fast evolving, digital world.

The sponsors of the event include digital consultancies Hippo Digital, Axiologik and Opencast Software, international law firm Addleshaw Goddard and security cloud provider SailPoint. The event also boasts a further ten sponsors including Amazon, BJSS, DCR Partners, Brighter Consulting, The Data Shed, Audacia, ALT Legal, Cognizant, Iridium and Bruntwood.

The organisers of the event hosted a launch lunch on the 9th February which kicked off the next round of fundraising. The 14 event sponsors came together in Leeds to reflect on the achievements of last year’s fundraising and highlight how the money has been put to great use with the support of the Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund, which works towards a fairer and more cohesive digital ecosystem for all in Leeds.

The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund is a new partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and 100% Digital Leeds – the Leeds City Council led initiative working to improve digital inclusion across the city and make Leeds the most digitally inclusive city for everyone.

The Fund supports community organisations to incorporate digital inclusion in their day-to-day work, in sustainable ways. As the region’s largest independent funder, Leeds Community Foundation is the only organisation of its kind in Leeds and Bradford, working with hundreds of community organisations each year. Thanks to the new partnership with 100% Digital Leeds, the two bodies will work together to ensure that no one in Leeds is excluded from the digital world.

Jason Tutin, Digital Inclusion Manager for Leeds City Council’s Integrated Digital Service, said:

“100% Digital Leeds is one of the most successful and well-respected digital inclusion programmes in the country. We work with over 200 organisations, teams, settings and services across Leeds to increase digital access, engagement and participation. We know that people who are digitally excluded are often excluded in other ways. Organisations who are already helping people and communities are best placed to help them on their digital inclusion journey. The money raised by Leeds Digital Ball and our incredible sponsors will make a huge difference to those organisations and the people they support.”

Liz Whitefield, a Director from Hippo Digital, said:

“We were founded in Leeds almost seven years ago, and we like to give back to the city we hold deep in our hearts and something like this, which raises money for the city but also focuses on digital inclusion is perfect. Digital inclusion is a human right; at Hippo, we care passionately about making services and our professions more accessible for everyone.”

In 2021, according to the UK Consumer Digital Index from Lloyds Bank, 22% of the UK population didn’t have the digital skills for everyday life. By supporting community organisations to embed digital inclusion work throughout what they do, the Fund will mean people in Leeds will have the skills, support and equipment to be active online, now and in the future.

The first event in 2022 raised £60,000, with 350 attendees, for projects in Leeds that focused on digital inclusion. From the £60K, £10K went providing direct support for Leeds Community Foundation and £50K was passed to 5 Leeds-based charities. Each charity received £10,000 to put towards an annual project which focused on improving access to technology for those in less advantaged or vulnerable positions.

The five charities in receipt of the funding are:

Smart Works Charity

A charity that supports women, helping them building confidence to get back into employment by providing coaching and work clothing.

Burmantofts Senior Action

A charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people in the community.

Your Back Yard

A Leeds based social enterprise passionate about helping people live healthier, more active, and happier lives across West Yorkshire.

The Highrise Project

A project to highlight the stories, benefits, and challenges of living in social housing, as well as related issues, including sense of community, family history, impact on health and wellbeing, and class.

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

A charity providing services to inner city communities. It’s not only a working farm with a wide variety of animals but also a major centre for community and environmental work.

Cleveland Henry, Leeds Community Foundation Trustee and Leeds Digital Ball board advisor said:

“The digital divide in Leeds was really highlighted during the pandemic. For example, some children were left unable to study due to a lack of access to technology at home, and the elderly and less fortunate were cut off from vital online services. Economic pressures facing everyone this winter, could truly exacerbate this position for many across the city.

“Events like the Leeds Digital Ball are vital to raising funds to help bridge the digital access and skills gap and it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be involved with. Each funding applicant was incredibly worthy of assistance which made choosing which charities to support extremely difficult. However, it also brought to light how important the funding is and the team behind the ball are really keen to look for further funding opportunities in 2023.”

The 2023 event hopes to beat last year’s huge total, and receive double the number of attendees,. Taking place at the Royal Armouries Museum from 7pm onwards at the New Dock Hall, the Leeds Digital Ball is set to be an excellent night for all.

For more information, please visit the Leeds Digital Ball website.

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