Digital Futures Fund

Young Westminster Foundation

An appeal by Young Westminster Foundation

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£1,005

of £100,000

days left

backers

Donate now

About the appeal

Young Westminster Foundation and Westminster City Council have embarked on an ambitious project to end digital exclusion in Westminster. Support us and help keep young people connected to their future.

What is the project about?
An estimated 9% of families in the UK do not have a laptop, desktop or tablet at home. This digital divide is not new, but during the coronavirus pandemic its implications have been particularly stark. Thousands of young people and families in Westminster are without access to a device or reliable internet connection to engage with online learning and services. Digital access has never been more important. Many of us are relying on getting online for work, school, healthcare, purchasing essentials and staying in touch with loved ones. The digital divide doesn't just mean lacking access to the internet, but the ability to pay for it. For communities who live on a low income the choice between an internet connection and basic necessities is a common and uncomfortable choice to have to make for their families. The Digital Futures project will tackle digital exclusion in Westminster through an ambitious partnership between local charities, businesses and schools aiming to provide devices and connectivity to communities impacted by coronavirus. Our goal is to ensure that no young person in Westminster goes without having access to a computer at home and a stable internet connection to secure their learning and development.

Why is it important?
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the life of every young person and family in Westminster. Young lives have been impacted at crucial stages of education and transition. The impact on young people is likely to be intense and long lasting, especially for the most vulnerable.A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that the pandemic risks turning the problem of digital exclusion into a catastrophe of lost education and opportunity for the UK’s poorest and most vulnerable. With school work and youth services increasingly moving online during this pandemic, proper access to the internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for Westminster’s young people. It is the same as not having a book or a pen. Funding for 750 devices has been secured but we estimate that 3800 devices are needed to close the digital gap for young people in Westminster.

How can I support?
Join the growing community of like-minded stakeholders who have committed to end digital exclusion in Westminster. Get in touch with YWF’s Development Director, Helen Mann, helen@ywfoundation.com

What are the benefits for investors?
YWF, Westminster City Council and our partners recognise the contribution of Westminster’s businesses in support of social value and community projects. We develop long term relationships with our business partners to create meaningful and impactful Westminster partnerships. All investors (businesses, funders, individuals) will be recognised through the communications of YWF and WCC including case studies and logos on our websites and social media. A celebration event will be held in 2021 led by senior leaders from WCC.

£1,005

of £100,000

days left

backers

Donate now

What your gift could provide

£250

provides 1 device with broadband connection and a contribution to ongoing training and support

£1,500

provides 6 devices with broadband connection and a contribution to ongoing training and support

£5,000

provides 20 devices with broadband and a contribution to ongoing training and support

Latest donations

Kristina Poulos

I made a donation to Young Westminster Foundation

22/01/2021

£250

Mary Narvell

Given at the request of journalist and teacher Dr Zahera Harb by KCWC

21/01/2021

£150

Anonymous

I made a donation to Young Westminster Foundation

24/12/2020

£35

Stats

Online donations

£1,005.00

Gift Aid

£208.75

Raised offline

£0.00

Total raised: £1,213.75

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