Leeds Digital Ball Returns, Continuing its Mission to Bridge the Digital Divide

leeds digital ball 2023

The Leeds Digital Ball is set to make its triumphant return in May 2024 for its third instalment, promising an evening of celebration and fundraising in support of local organisations working to bridge the digital gap within the city.

Hosted at the prestigious Royal Armouries Museum, this flagship event serves as a rallying point for Leeds’ thriving digital community, bringing together industry leaders, innovators and advocates for a common cause. The event has already garnered significant success, having raised an impressive £160,000 in its previous editions, all dedicated to supporting local community organisations through The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund.

Despite the digital advancements in the UK, 7% of the population remains offline, with 9 million people struggling to access online resources independently. This digital exclusion contributes to societal disparities, affecting individuals’ and communities’ abilities to engage with services, impacting earning potential, employability, communication and overall connectivity.

The Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund, established in 2022 by the Leeds Community Foundation, 100% Digital Leeds and Leeds Digital Ball, aims to tackle this issue head-on. The fund provides individuals and communities with essential skills, support and equipment to actively participate in the digital world, thereby putting an end to digital exclusion.

The impact of the 2022 Leeds Digital Ball is evident in the significant strides made by the five community organisations that received funding. A reported 288 lives in the city were positively influenced, showcasing the tangible outcomes of the event’s fundraising efforts.

“The funding from the Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund in 2022 meant we could employ a Digital Engagement Worker to support older people across Burmantofts to get online.”

Tom Armstrong, Project Manager at Burmantofts Community Friends

Cleveland Henry, Chair of Leeds Community Foundation, expressed gratitude for the fundraising efforts, which allowed them to double the number of funded Community Organisations in 2023. “It is a challenging time for communities which was demonstrated by the volume of applications we received. We are truly grateful to the fundraising efforts of Leeds Digital Ball,” he added.

Mike Quate, Chair of Leeds Digital Ball, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are proud to partner once again with Leeds Community Foundation and 100% Digital Leeds, to ensure the money raised makes the biggest possible impact and reaches those people in Leeds that need help around access to digital technologies.”

Leeds Digital Inclusion Fund 2023 Funded Community Organisations

  1. BID Services: Supports people who are deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, or both, with advice, activities, and services. Grant to be used for online safety, confidence, and empowerment.
  2. Burmantofts Community Friends: Improves the lives of older people, enabling them to live independently. Grant supports the continuation of Digital Engagement Worker initiatives.
  3. Complete Women CIC: Empowers refugee and asylum-seeking women, building confidence, raising self-esteem, and improving mental and physical well-being. Grant establishes a digital skills hub.
  4. Cross Gates & District Good Neighbors’ Scheme: Provides services including a food bank, IT literacy, friendship groups, and exercise. Grant supports a test and learn 1:1 digital support initiative.
  5. The Highrise Project: Supports people living in social housing, migrant communities, and those facing unemployment. Grant enables the delivery of a 6-week digital skills course.
  6. Holbeck Together: Provides local services to relieve poverty, advance education, create community connection, and improve quality of life. Grant supports Digital Champions training and access to equipment.
  7. In2Out: Supports the rehabilitation of youth offenders. Grant funds smartphones as part of ‘Leaving Custody Kits’ for resettlement support.
  8. Leeds Irish Health and Homes: Improves the health and well-being of Irish and wider communities in Leeds. Grant enables the employment of a second Digital Inclusion Officer.
  9. RETAS Refugee Education and Training Advice Service (RETAS): Supports refugees and asylum seekers through advice, language classes, housing support, and employment services. Grant funds equipment and support for online skills.
  10. Your Back Yard: Provides activities to get people physically active and runs digital support sessions for older people. Grant funds a digital café and supports the setup of a health and well-being hub in Bramley.

The 2024 Leeds Digital Ball aims to be even more impactful, fostering innovation and ensuring that everyone in the community has equal access to the opportunities the digital world offers. Interested in getting involved? View the Contact section below!


Contact

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can learn more by contacting co-founder and board member, Sandra Patel ([email protected]).

The 2024 Leeds Digital Ball, scheduled for Thursday, May 9, promises to be a night of celebration, collaboration, and commitment to building a more inclusive and digitally connected community.

For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or general inquiries, please visit Leeds Digital Ball or contact founder and board member, Sandra Patel ([email protected]).

Press Contact: Dan Wilkinson ([email protected])

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