Tag: Good Things Foundation

Virgin Money and Good Things Foundation team up to support millions of households facing digital exclusion

Virgin Money and the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, have teamed up to help millions of people facing digital exclusion across the nation by introducing the National Databank programme into Virgin Money’s full network of stores.

Latest data1 compiled by Good Things Foundation shows that although 77% of people in the UK believe having internet access is an essential need, 1 in 14 households have no home internet access at all, more than 2.5 million households struggle to afford broadband and 10.2 million people lack the most basic digital skills to use the internet.

Aiming to help reduce the digital divide, Virgin Money – the first and only bank in the UK to take part in the programme – has worked with Good Things Foundation to introduce the National Databank2 into its 91 UK stores.

The National Databank works like a foodbank, but provides free mobile data, texts and calls for people in need. Through the programme, which was founded by Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, digitally excluded people (anyone that doesn’t have regular access to the internet) can visit their nearest Virgin Money store and pick up an O2 sim card loaded with 20GB of free data – enough for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month. The free data allowance renews every month for six months.

Good Things Foundation has also provided specialist training to the bank’s customer service colleagues to help them better identify and support individuals impacted by digital exclusion and signpost them to a nearby National Databank, whether it is a Virgin Money store or not. In addition, through a range of initiatives colleagues across the bank will help to raise awareness and secure donations to Good Thing Foundation’s National Device Bank programme, which works alongside the National Databank to provide free smart devices to people who are unable to afford them. 

Finally, to help bridge the digital skills gap, Virgin Money and Good Things Foundation will work with Learn My Way, an online digital skills platform, to provide training to anyone looking for help to improve their knowledge of using the internet. The sessions, which can take place both in store and online, will cover various topics, including advice on how to stay safe when browsing and information on how to access essential online services.

James Peirson, General Counsel & Purpose Officer at Virgin Money, said: “Digital exclusion is a real issue in the UK and one that needs prioritising.

“For many low or no-income households, paying for broadband is often seen as a luxury that they can’t afford, but in reality, it is an essential purchase – especially in this digital age. That’s why we are proud to support the vital work of Good Things Foundation by making the National Databank programme easier for people in need to access across the UK.

“We are also keen to encourage other organisations that are in a position to help to join the initiative. Whether that’s by becoming a National Databank themselves or donating their old smart devices that would otherwise go to waste.

“Each small gesture goes towards making a huge difference, and by working together we can try put an end to the digital divide.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to help tackle digital exclusion by extending our partnership with Virgin Money to make the National Databank available to its full network of 91 stores.

“There are still 2 million households that struggle to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills. We need to act now.

“We urge organisations to apply to become a National Databank and become part of our National Digital Inclusion Network, helping local communities access data, devices and digital skills through the National Databank, the National Device Banks, and the Digital Skills platform Learn My Way.

“By the end of 2025, our ambition is to engage 1 million people helping them benefit from the digital world and support 5,000 Digital Inclusion Hubs across the UK. Together we can fix the digital divide.”

For details of Virgin Money store locations, visit: Store Finder | Virgin Money UK | Virgin Money UK

To find out more about Good Things Foundation or to locate the nearest community organisation taking part in the National Databank programme, visit: https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/.

Virgin Money teams up with Good Things Foundation to tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh

Virgin Money has teamed up with leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation to help tackle digital poverty in Edinburgh and surrounding areas, by giving people access to free sim cards provided by the innovative National Databank Programme in their Edinburgh store, as part of the bank’s nationwide support of the initiative.

The National Databank, founded by Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation, is like a foodbank but provides free mobile data, texts and calls for people in need. Virgin Money is the first bank in the UK to sign up to the programme and will distribute O2 sim cards that will be loaded with 20GB of free data every month for six months, from 16 stores across the country.

Users can request a voucher from a local community support organisation registered with the National Databank and take it to their nearest Virgin Money store delivering the programme. Specially-trained hosts will work with users to register their sim cards, which provides enough data for around 220 hours of internet browsing per month, show them how to get online and offer tips on how to stay safe when browsing.

Other Virgin Money stores taking part in the programme include Aberdeen, Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Glasgow Hillhead, Grimsby, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Leeds, Manchester, Montrose, Newcastle and Peterborough, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Hugh Chater, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Money, said: “For many low or no-income households, paying for data is simply another bill that they can’t afford.

“Without it however, they are missing out on accessing essential money management and support services such as benefits calculators, online job boards and price comparison sites that can help to reduce their monthly outgoings.

“Through our new partnership with Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media O2, we are working to tackle this digital divide and taking one step closer to ending the poverty premium.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation: “Having enough data in our increasingly digital society is not a nice to have, it’s an absolute essential.

“If you’re not online you can’t save money on products and services, help your children participate in home-learning, or apply for jobs. There are 2 million households struggling to afford internet access in the UK today, and 10 million adults lack the most basic digital skills.

“We’re very proud to be working together in partnership with Virgin Money and Virgin Media O2 to help tackle this and help even more people access the National Databank. Together, we can come together to help address the issue of data poverty in the UK once and for all.”

Partnering with Good Things Foundation is the latest in a number of actions Virgin Money is taking to help eliminate the poverty premium among its customers and wider communities by 2030. Earlier this year the bank joined forces with Turn2Us to offer access to a free online benefits calculator.

Virgin Money has also developed an online cost of living hub with advice on dealing with price rises and cutting bills. The bank also provides regular, free financial advice to its 6.5 million customers and signposting to support services for people that need extra help – whether they’re a customer or not.

To access Virgin Money’s cost of living support services, visit: 

https://uk.virginmoney.com/service/support-hub/cost-of-living/

To find out more about National Databank or locate your nearest community organisation taking part in the programme, visit: 

https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/

For more information on Good Things Foundation visit 

www.goodthingsfoundation.org.

Shocks, Knocks and Skill Building Blocks

All round support is key to digital skills-powered recovery, says new report

Equipping people with soft skills and tackling motivational barriers can switch them onto learning new digital skills, according to a new report.

The findings come in ‘Shocks, knocks and skill building blocks’, from leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, following a one-year programme of work in partnership with Accenture and Nesta.

It highlights the need for help for people to learn soft skills, such as increased confidence, better decision-making and resilience to setbacks, to lay the foundations for workers to embrace digital skills and thrive.

The impact of COVID-19 on the jobs market is visible – and with unemployment forecast to hit 2.6 million by the middle of 2021 and digital skills more important and in-demand than ever, the findings offer a proven route to employability success.

The Future Proof: Skills for Work programme was designed to build work-related digital skills for unemployed or underemployed people, helping them achieve sustained employability outcomes.

With the global pandemic shaking the employment landscape to its core, the jobs market is a very competitive space where workers are required to be both digitally skilled and adaptable. Yet whilst 82% of roles require digital skills, 52% of working age adults do not yet have them.

Working with 13 community partners and helping over 900 people, the programme focused on understanding the barriers faced by learners – and how these can be overcome to help close the digital skills gap.

As a result of the programme, which was delivered remotely in communities after lockdown hit the UK last March, 70% of participants believe their digital skills have improved while 68% believe they are better prepared for employment.

The greatest change in attitude was around resilience in the face of challenges, with 27% of learners experiencing a positive change.

The project also saw a larger number of employed and higher-educated workers engaging with Good Things Foundation’s community partners and the Future Proof programme.

The new report also:

  • Highlights the crucial role of hyperlocal community organisations, arguing they are best placed to help people build confidence and learn digital skills simultaneously.
  • Calls for a move away from a tick-list approach to skills – including digital – to one that instead accommodates natural changes and fluctuations.

Helen Milner, Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said: “Working with Accenture, Nesta and our community partners, Future Proof has been ahead of the curve in terms of predicting new audience demand, skills and motivations and helping people gain digital skills alongside greater confidence and broader skills.

“Remote working due to COVID-19 has changed working patterns permanently. This makes upskilling the workforce even more vital. With the UK in the grips of another national lockdown and nine million adults unable to use the internet without help, the Government needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to fix the digital divide, to support economic recovery.”

Camilla Drejer, Director of UK & Ireland Corporate Citizenship at Accenture said: “At Accenture, we recognise how critical it is to support people in building new skills. This programme is not just helping people learn the digital skills needed today but also motivating participants to commit to life-long learning and develop a confidence about the opportunities that the digital economy brings.

“Through the Future Proof programme, we are pleased to have been able to help participants understand this shift, plan for the future and take charge of their careers.  We believe that it is our duty as a responsible business to focus on the value we can create and this programme is an important aspect of that.”

The full report is available to download here.

First-ever virtual Get Online Week levels up digitally excluded UK

A national campaign to reach the 9 million people in the UK who are unable to use the internet fully returns next week – held virtually for the first time ever.

As the UK is thrown into a harsh Winter with intensifying restrictions, Get Online Week will see hyperlocal community partners assist and facilitate digital learners at hundreds of events.

For the first time in the campaign’s 15 year history, community organisations will run hundreds of life-transforming events in a variety of locations – all with no cost to the attendees. These COVID-safe events will minimise the need for in-person contact, with local support for those needing help to get online.

Pandemic restrictions show the internet is an essential skill critical for everyday life. It allows almost half of all British workers to work from home1, helps isolated people stay connected, and makes sure children can stay on track with their schooling. 4 out of 5 people polled in a recent survey say digital technology has been a vital support to them in lockdown, and 78% say the pandemic has escalated the importance of digital skills.2

However, 7.6m workers are facing redundancy or reduced hours and pay due to COVID-193, and 82% of jobs required digital skills, even before the pandemic4.

Improving the UK’s digital capability is the solution. It will reduce the devastating economic fallout of the pandemic by protecting livelihoods, in turn, it will improving the wellbeing of millions of people.

Supported by BT and the Department for Education, Get Online Week is here to help make sure that everyone in the UK has access to free, friendly and local support to improve their digital skills.

From Zoom interview masterclasses and CV workshops to online coffee mornings and Skype quizzes, events right across the UK will help people grow their essential digital skills and confidence with digital.

Get Online Week is delivered by Good Things Foundation, the UK’s leading social and digital inclusion organisation. The charity helps people develop and improve their digital skills and teaches them how to use the internet safely and confidently, so they can be happier, healthier and better off.

Helen Milner, Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation says: “Now more than ever, digital skills are critical to the wellbeing of the most vulnerable people in our society. Locked-out and locked down, they’re facing a bleak winter.

“Get Online Week will begin to transform the lives and experiences of the 9 million who lack confidence, helping them find the support and resources they need to stay connected to society and essential government services.”

Marc Allera, CEO of BT’s consumer brands says: “As our world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, having the skills and confidence to access digitally-enabled services has never been more important – whether that’s being able to message a loved one on WhatsApp, or order groceries or prescription medicines online.

“It is clear these services are a lifeline for millions of people across the UK and we have a responsibility to make sure those with lower digital skills are not left behind, especially in the face of such uncertain times. This is why we are proud to support Get Online Week 2020, so we can continue our work to ensure everyone is able to learn the skills they need to access vital services and stay connected to friends and family.”

If you’d like to take your next step to making more of the internet – or want to help someone else do so – you can find your nearest Get Online Week event at www.getonlineweek.com.

Fears for over-70s struggling with digital isolation during lockdown

New research from BT suggests that many older people (70+) are suffering from a difficult combination of both physical and digital isolation during the Coronavirus lockdown.

A poll of people from across the UK, who have a close relative over 70, found that less than a quarter believe their loved one would be willing to try a video call with a GP, with the majority prepared to wait longer to get a face-to-face appointment.

While some older people (27%) have ventured to the shops during lockdown, a third of those surveyed believe their relatives had put themselves at risk in order to purchase essential items on behalf of their loved one and nearly half those surveyed (49%) think it would be life-changing for their older relative if they knew how to order their own groceries online.

However, 41 per cent think their older family member has never made an online purchase, and half believe their relative is reluctant to try and learn new skills when it comes to technology.

The survey revealed various barriers to learning: more than three-quarters (76%) think their relative would consider it too complicated. A quarter think their loved ones feel the internet is unsafe (26%), 29 per cent say that their relatives haven’t got anyone to teach them and 35 per cent aren’t sure where to learn these digital skills.

Nearly four in ten (38%) did say their family members would be more open to improving their digital skills due to recent events, but don’t know where to start.

 

Professor Kerensa Jennings, BT Group Director of Digital Impact, said: “Technology has become an essential lifeline for millions of people right now. But to combat loneliness, we must ensure that older people can take advantage of the benefits that technology provides, from accessing vital services to staying in touch with family and friends.

“We know that even picking up some relatively simple digital skills can make a huge difference to the lives of older people and those that care for them during lockdown – whether it’s doing their own online shopping, accessing health services or enjoying face-to-face calls with loved ones.

“While many older people are very confident with tech, it’s never too late to try something new. For others, it’s the first time they are accessing the internet. That’s why we are working closely with leading social change charity, Good Things Foundation, to ensure people can get the skills they need to stay connected and healthy during lockdown.”

The survey also revealed that six in 10 people believe their loved ones feel more isolated than ever before as a result of the global pandemic, and 53 per cent think they have struggled to adjust to an altered lifestyle due to coronavirus.

Email and WhatsApp are the digital platforms family members feel elderly relations are the most adept at using, with 39 per cent able to successfully set up a video call with their elderly loved ones. One in five over 70s are also able to stream through Amazon Prime or Netflix.

However, over three quarters (78%) said their family member consumes their information from television, with a third relying on their family member to update them on current affairs and just one in five going online.

 

Helen Milner, Chief Executive of Good Things Foundation, said: “The research supports what we’re hearing from our network partners and our wider findings on the issue of digital isolation. The people left behind are disproportionately older, often with existing health issues that are being compounded by a lack of confidence in digital technology. This is a deeply shocking societal problem we must all address urgently. 

“We know that due to the Coronavirus pandemic more people are willing to try new things online and improve their digital skills so this is the perfect time to give them the tools and guidance to do so.”

BT Skills for Tomorrow is giving 10 million people the skills they need to make the most of life in the digital world we live in.  It’s completely free and designed to help everyone – from school children and teachers, parents and families to businesses and jobseekers – and anyone who needs support getting online to make the most of life.

Working in partnership with leading digital skills organisations, BT have created and collated the best courses, webinars and information, in one easy to navigate place.

However, there remains a significant number of vulnerable people who do not currently have an internet connection or suitable device, making isolation particularly difficult. In order to address this issue, BT has donated 1,000 tablets with pre-paid SIMs to the Good Things Foundation as part of the DevicesDotNow campaign.

The Good Things Foundation is the UK’s leading digital exclusion charity and the key distribution partner for DevicesDotNow through their Online Centres Network. They are also one of BT’s existing partners through Skills for Tomorrow.

Power Up: closing the digital divide

J.P. Morgan, with Good Things Foundation, has launched Power Up, a pioneering £1.3 million initiative to help people, businesses and communities to participate by helping people in under-served communities build the digital skills needed to qualify for in-demand jobs. Glasgow and Edinburgh are two of the four areas identified for support. Continue reading Power Up: closing the digital divide