BBC Children in Need awards Good Things Foundation £500,000

Good Things Foundation works to improve people’s lives through digital so they can be happier, healthier and better off. The new funding will be used to purchase devices and data packages, specifically for disadvantaged families through the Connecting Families programme.

The COVID-19 pandemic means digital inclusion matters more than ever before for family finances, health and wellbeing. Before the pandemic, UK data releases on the digital divide showed people in the poorest households to be at least four times more likely to be digitally excluded. 23% of 5-15-year-olds in the poorest families don’t have home access to broadband, laptops, desktops or a tablet.

Digital access has been a crucial lifeline to many families during lockdown
Helen Milner OBE

Good Things Foundation works with community partners across the UK via the Online Centres Network to support families who don’t have access to digital devices or services. Funding from BBC Children in Need will provide initial and ongoing support to families who require digital devices to support their needs. Having access to a device will allow families to support their children, to use the device to keep healthy and safe online, while giving them access to essential services, and to stay in touch with family and friends.

Digital support will empower device recipients, and give them the confidence and skills they need to ensure they’re able to apply their new learning to their needs and support them in the long term, while making sustainable use of the device.

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation, commented:

“We’re calling for the Government to work together with other organisations to Fix the Digital Divide, and it is vitally important that we support disadvantaged families in this pandemic. Through our work with our community partners, we know that digital access has been a crucial lifeline to many families during lockdown. This welcome funding from BBC Children in Need will allow us to purchase devices and data packages for those who need it and enables our network of community partners to carry on offering digital support to their communities. We can’t wait to get to work on the Connecting Families programme and we’re excited to be working with BBC Children in Need.”

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need, commented:

“At BBC Children in Need, we are committed to doing whatever we can to support children and young people facing disadvantage during this difficult time – that’s why we’re pleased to be funding Good Things Foundation, to get digital devices into the hands of children and young people across the UK who would otherwise not have access to such equipment. This will enable young people to learn new skills, gain access to online learning resources, reduce isolation and support their overall wellbeing.”