We recently messaged to announce a new funding opportunity to take part in our upcoming Digital Champion programme. We’re pleased to announce that this funding opportunity is now live until 12pm on 4th May 2022. The Digital Champion programme will support local brand partners to deliver digital inclusion services in areas of high digital exclusion across England and Wales, and to transform the delivery of digital skills support so that we can reach and support those people that need it most. Read on to find out more, including how to apply.
Although the number of older people who are digitally connected continues to rise, there are still around 5 million people over the age of 55 who are not online. We live in an increasingly online world, with many key services moving to become ‘digital first’, and while many older people have embraced digital technology, there are others who are less confident who are at risk of being left behind.
About the Programme
The Digital Champion programme will support local brand partners to deliver digital inclusion services with older people in areas of high digital exclusion across England and Wales, and to transform the delivery of digital skills support to ensure that we can reach and support those people that need it most. The programme will involve local brand partners recruiting and training volunteer Digital Champions; delivering awareness raising activities to motivate and inspire older people to get involved; provide technology on a loan basis to older people without access; and deliver skills support sessions to improve the confidence and skills of older people so that they can benefit from being online.
Supporting older people most at risk of digital exclusion
As part of this programme, we will also support local brand partners who want to focus their delivery on supporting a high-risk group to get online. Whilst the core elements of the programme will largely remain the same, adaptations will likely need to be made to the programme model, and expectations will be amended to reflect the higher intensity support that will be required. By focussing some of the delivery of this programme on supporting high-risk groups, we will reach those older people most in need, and gain a better understanding about how the service works, and to guide service development to ensure it remains as impactful and accessible as possible.
Next Steps
The Digital Champion Programme will be delivered across two cohorts of 25 partners, with cohort 1 (this opportunity) commencing in June 2022, and cohort 2 in March 2024. Each partner will receive up to £72,000 over 18 months to deliver the programme in their local area, including set-up time.
Please note: the funding and delivery period remains the same for partners who apply to deliver the programme with older people generally, and for those who apply to focus their delivery on a high-risk group. Expected reach will differ accordingly.
For more information on this opportunity and to apply, please click below:
This funding opportunity closes 12pm 4th May 2022.
If you have any questions about this new opportunity, please get in touch with servicesdigital@ageuk.org.uk. If you are having trouble accessing the link above, please contact theloop@ageuk.org.uk.
