Why it matters: CityFibre has awarded the money to Suffolk Community Foundation's Digital Inclusion Fund as part of its Community Fund programme, which supports communities benefiting from its Project Gigabit contract rollout. The funding is being distributed among local charities and social enterprises to help residents who risk being left behind in an increasingly connected world.
The details: Since the Digital Inclusion Fund launched, ten organisations have received grants. Together, the projects are expected to support more than 1,500 people across the county. Among those benefitting in Ipswich are:
River Church, whose Digital Inclusion Programme supports vulnerable Ipswich residents in accessing the internet safely and independently, providing Wi-Fi, laptops, printing and digital skills training to those who struggle to afford equipment or connectivity.
Eyes Open CIC, whose Digital Learning Programme provides young people with subsidised digital training at The Vault, a dedicated digital hub that has worked with 28 schools to deliver more than 900 placements for local young people.
The fund is also supporting organisations across the wider county, including Headway Suffolk, which delivers digital skills courses for people living with a brain injury, and Access Community Trust, which helps homeless people reintegrate online.
CityFibre has awarded a separate small grant to Ipswich.Love CIC, a community information platform, to help maintain and expand its online presence.
What they're saying: Hannah Bloom, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, said: "CityFibre's contribution to the Digital Inclusion Fund has been instrumental to its ongoing success. We're incredibly grateful for CityFibre's commitment to this work and look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years to come."
Stacey King, senior partnership manager at CityFibre, added: "By investing in these initiatives we're contributing to a more inclusive digital society, one where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can connect, learn and thrive with confidence."
The bottom line: The £50,000 award aims to close the digital divide across Suffolk, with a particular focus on some of the county's most vulnerable communities.
