Celebrating Digital Inclusion Hubs: Hub of the Month

May's Hub of the Month is...

We are thrilled to announce Carers Leeds as our Hub of the Month!

Carers Leeds supports unpaid carers who face unique and complex barriers to digital inclusion. Many of these carers are older, manage their own long-term health conditions, speak English as a second language, or face severe financial hardship. Because of their caring responsibilities, many simply cannot leave the house.

By meeting carers exactly where they are, the digital inclusion service at Carers Leeds is transforming lives.

How they do it: Person-centered support

Carers Leeds doesn't expect carers to come to them—they bring the digital world to the carer. Their approach is entirely tailored to the individual through:

• Home visits & outreach: One-to-one home visits, community outreach, and a volunteer digital befriending programme.

• Tailored assessments: Every carer receives a digital needs assessment to map out their goals and accessibility requirements.

• Breaking barriers: Providing free devices and data, utilizing interpreters, and customizing device accessibility settings.

"My world has just got a little smaller, in a good way."

The true impact of this work is felt in the joy and relief of the carers. After receiving support, one carer sent his very first text message and became tearful at his newfound connection. Another shared how learning to use digital maps gave her the confidence to travel: "I used to be scared to go to new places... So I went on holiday to a place I didn’t know. I used the sat nav to get there."

Powering support with the National Digital Inclusion Network

As a long-standing member of the National Digital Inclusion Network, Carers Leeds weaves Good Things Foundation resources directly into their daily service:

• The National Databank: Provides vital SIM cards to carers facing financial hardship, allowing them to book GP appointments, connect with family, or unwind with apps like BBC Sounds.

• Learn My Way: Used as a flexible tool for carers looking to build employment skills, fill out online forms, or master computer basics.

• Staff development: The team regularly utilizes Good Things webinars—covering topics like media literacy, spotting fake news, and combining ESOL with digital skills—to better support their diverse community.

"Being part of the Network means we aren’t working alone. Having people to talk to, ask questions and share practice with makes a difference for a small team doing complex work."

Congratulations to Carers Leeds for their incredible dedication and well-deserved recognition this month!

Apply to be our next Hub of the Month!

We love celebrating the fantastic hubs in our network. Every month our winning hub receives a £100 Amazon voucher with a mention in our newsletter and on our social channels. 

You can now nominate your own hub or another to be our Hub of the Month. This is your opportunity to shout about the amazing things you are doing and receive some well-earned recognition! If you believe your hub (or another) deserves to be celebrated, please share the details and nominate through this form.

Previous Hubs of the Month:

A huge well done to all the hubs who work hard everyday to help their local communities to get connected and build their confidence.