Over half a million pounds is being awarded to grassroots charities across Glasgow and the surrounding area to help close the digital divide and expand access to affordable data and broadband.

The funding comes from the latest round of the Building Digital Skills Fund, a joint initiative from the HFD Charitable Foundation and the Virgin Money Foundation, which aims to boost digital inclusion across communities most in need.

In its latest round of funding, six charities and community groups working to reduce digital exclusion in the city are set to share £545,000 to help build digital skills and confidence, and provide essential equipment such as mobile Wi-Fi devices. 

The organisations being awarded include Crossroads Youth and Community Association, Govan Youth Information Project, LinKes, Castlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre, Community Central Hall in Maryhill, and Crookston Community Group.

Each has been chosen for the role it plays in promoting digital inclusion within what are often the most deprived communities. 

Crossroads Youth and Community Association, for example, supports residents in Govanhill and the Gorbals, and during the pandemic led a local consortium to distribute over 700 devices and connectivity kits, while also developing a long-term digital inclusion strategy with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations to tackle digital barriers and affordability.

“Receiving this support means we can continue to take a holistic approach to digital inclusion, tailored to the needs of our local community,” said Dani Waddell, charity manager at Crossroads Youth and Community Association

“We know digital exclusion is complex – simply providing data and devices isn’t enough to bridge the divide. That’s why we’ll be working with the Gorbals community to build confidence, skills, and capacity to use digital technologies in ways that enrich their lives.”

Launched in spring 2024, the Building Digital Skills Fund has awarded more than £1.3 million to fifteen charities in Glasgow, which experiences pockets of digital exclusion higher than the UK or Scottish average.

An estimated 44,450 people living in Glasgow do not have internet access, according to the most Glasgow Household Survey, particularly affecting those over the age of 60, 28% of whom do not have access to the internet.

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Added to that, a project led by students from the University of Glasgow also found that nearly 50% of the city’s non-internet users come from the most deprived socio-economic groups.

“Digital inclusion is key to unlocking opportunities, improving access to services, and empowering people,” said Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation on the latest funding.

“These charities are leading the way, and their work is crucial in ensuring people have the technical tools and skills they need to thrive. It’s rewarding to see our funding continue to support these efforts and create a tangible impact on local communities.”