Nine North East community organisations are set to benefit from a recently launched fund aimed at closing the region’s digital poverty divide and promoting accessibility for all.
The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund, established by not-for-profit, tech sector membership organisation, Dynamo North East C.I.C., and managed by Community Foundation North East, was launched earlier this year to help people develop their digital skills, promote digital inclusion and create new pathways and opportunities into employment.
And now, the first regional organisations to be given awards from the Fund have been announced, all of whom do valuable work supporting people with different needs, of varying ages, and from diverse backgrounds.
Among those to have received support is Your Voice Counts, an independent charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental ill health and those at risk of exclusion across Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside. It has been awarded £5,000 towards employing a ‘Digital Inclusion Champion’ who will work with 50 service users to build their skills and increase their digital confidence and capability.
Leah Kennedy, Head of Communities at Your Voice Counts, explained: “It’s just fantastic news and we’re absolutely delighted to be one of the first charities to receive an award from the Fund.
“The money will enable us to design and deliver eight accessible digital skills workshops in Gateshead and South Tyneside that not only tackle issues such as online safety, image sharing and privacy but also demonstrate how to enjoy and benefit from digital experiences like online shopping, apps or engaging with others via social media.
“However, critically, we can now go one step further by creating a ‘digital inclusion champion’ role – someone who has lived experience and can work closely alongside our Well Connected Team to minimise digital barriers and offer the practical support our users need, when. This may be through weekly peer group sessions or 1-2-1 training, so we’re really excited about the award and can’t wait to get started.”
The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund is a charitable initiative born out of a determination to make dynamic change for good and has recently awarded close to £36,000 as part of the first round of funding allocations.
Other regional organisations benefitting from the Fund include:
- Age UK Teesside
- Vision Northumberland
- The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company
- Digital Voice for Communities CIC
- Skills 4 Work (Gateshead) Limited
- Age Concern South Tyneside
- Afghanistan & Central Asian Association
- Mulgrave Mixed Media
Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo North East C.I.C., commented: “Supporting these organisations is crucial to bridging the poverty gap and creating a level playing field that enables everyone to access (and use) digital technologies for their own personal benefit.
“If we can help as many people as possible become digitally active and, more importantly, digitally confident, regardless of their backgrounds, age or circumstance, we can deliver positive, life-changing opportunities and reduce social isolation here on our doorstep across the whole of the North East.
“People face greater inequality and economic disadvantage when they have no access to the internet, so by working with and supporting charitable and grassroots organisations through the Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund, we can make positive strides forward and start seeing a real difference. We’re therefore delighted to have awarded the first of these funds.”
Kevin Maloney, Philanthropy Advisor at Community Foundation North East, added: “It’s been fantastic to work with Dynamo North East on establishing the fund and making the first round of grants. The digital divide remains a significant barrier for many individuals and communities in our region, and the crucial work that all nine organisations do will directly support those affected by this barrier.”
Dynamo North East C.I.C. has also announced that its next annual tech sector networking dinner, featuring a keynote speaker and fundraising activities in support of the Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund, will take place at The Fire Station in Sunderland on Thursday 19 March 2026.
Tickets for the Dynamo North East Tech Charity Dinner 2026 are now available, and organisations interested in sponsoring or helping to facilitate the event are also encouraged to get in touch.
Applications for round two of the Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund will open in late Spring 2026 with details to be released closer to the time. For more information regarding Dynamo’s not-for-profit operations and to get event tickets, please visit: www.dynamonortheast.co.uk.
