Sheffield charity helping the region's most vulnerable keep connected to loved ones

A Sheffield-based social inclusion charity that works across the whole of the UK to improve people's lives through digital as been given a welcome cash boost.
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The Good Things Foundation has been awarded a £100,000 grant by Barclays Bank to buy devices such as tablets for vulnerable people in Yorkshire that might be cut off in lockdown due to lack of access to the internet.

The company has been working for nearly a decade to help people become better connected digitally and has helped over one million people.

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Good Things arranges for tablets with data lasting up to a year to be sent out to disadvantaged people via community networks up and down the country.

Angela Ellis, Head of Digital Social Inclusion Delivery at Good Things Foundation. Picture: James HardistyAngela Ellis, Head of Digital Social Inclusion Delivery at Good Things Foundation. Picture: James Hardisty
Angela Ellis, Head of Digital Social Inclusion Delivery at Good Things Foundation. Picture: James Hardisty

More than 10,000 devices have been sent out this year - including to a 91-year-old who was able to video call her daughter in Australia who she had not seen for 25 years.

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The vast majority say it has made a real difference to their life - with 89 per cent saying they have had a positive impact.

“The device alone isn’t the solution,” said Angela Ellis, the charity’s Head of Digital Social Inclusion Delivery.

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“It’s also about having connectivity and having access to advice and support.

People are using them for things like accessing the GP, completing a universal credit journal and keeping in touch with loved ones.

“Isolated mums have been using it to access fitness classes - and one guy who had never used it before was using it to check his Premium Bonds.

“Before people were able to muddle through - they may have used a library or another community centre.

“But in the middle of lockdown that was not possible.”

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One group which has benefited from the grant is Leeds-based Aireborough Voluntary Services to the Elderly, which works to prevent the social isolation of the over 60s, and received eight portable tablets.

Volunteer engagement officer Michelle Phillips: “We wouldn’t have been able to fund this ourselves.

“Barclays giving this out is fantastic. For older people who have lost pretty much everything that is normal to them, community and social interaction, this is truly invaluable.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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