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Hull-based incumbent broadband provider KCOM, which has built a Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across large parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England, has named three more winners for their Digital Inclusion Grants – worth a combined £20k. A total of £100,000 has so far been paid out to related projects since the scheme started.
The grant scheme, which is currently still due to run until the end of 2026, is designed to help promote online inclusion, build stronger communities, connect generations and help boost digital skills and awareness across KCOM’s operating region.
The winners of this round of grants include ‘Run With It’, the ‘Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC’ and ‘Pickering & Ferens Homes’. The first organisation, ‘Run With It’, helps thousands of youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds learn valuable IT skills and will use its £5,000 grant to update IT equipment and improve digital literacy.
Meanwhile, the ‘Humber Wellbeing Hub CIC’ will spend its £5,000 grant on creating an interactive digital booklet, which aims to help individuals understand and manage the mental health impact of major life events such as bereavement, job loss and transitions to adulthood.
Finally, ‘Pickering & Ferens Homes’ plans to create a smart technology enabled flat with its £10,000 grant to help support those who would normally struggle to be independent, reducing the need for premature moves to residential care and reliance on health and social care services.
Louise Babych, KCOM Community Impact Partner, said:
“Our three latest Digital Grant winners all do brilliant 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 great schemes that will improve local lives for the better.”
The window for the next round of grant applications is now open until the end of August 2025 – see here.