Fibrus awards £55k to help address digital poverty 

Telecommunications and broadband provider Fibrus has announced the latest recipients of its £55,000 community fund.

The Fibrus Community Fund, which aims to address digital poverty in rural Northern Ireland, is managed in partnership with the Community Foundation Northern Ireland, awarding grants that enable local groups and organisations access to digital technology.

The fund has a particular focus on supporting grassroots organisations that support older people and young people aged 18 and under.

19 organisations received funding through the latest tranche.

Sensory Kids is one of the recipients and will use their £2,000 award to integrate technology into its learning programmes. The Broughshane charity provides children and young adults with a safe and secure environment aimed at reducing anxieties and promoting their development, as well supporting parents to understand and support their children’s needs.

Sensory Kids Youth worker, Kathryn Davidson, said:

“Sensory Kids aims to enhance children’s development through play by offering early intervention to those who may or may not have a diagnosis.

“This a very welcome boost from the Fibrus Community Fund will help enhance our services and resources for the young people we work with.

“We plan to incorporate technology into our youth group with iPads to help young people learn life skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, with a view to learning how to cook and boost their own personal care.”

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer, Fibrus, said:

“Fibrus is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. By investing through our Fibrus Community Fund, we are able to give back to some of the organisations like the outstanding Sensory Kids, doing wonderful work to enhance and support our thriving towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

“It is embedded in our culture that we continue to support projects which are specifically aimed at young people who have a need for increased access to technology or connectivity, as well as initiatives that combat digital exclusion amongst the elderly or those more vulnerable in our society. We wish Sensory Kids, and all of the other successful applicants every best wish for the future.”

Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager at Community Foundation NI, said:

"We are delighted with the awarding of this funding, growing the ability of rural communities to stay connected.

“Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for the Community Foundation NI and this fund is tackling this head on.

“Many groups and charities working directly with isolated or vulnerable members of our communities in rural areas are telling us that strong and sustainable broadband in their area is vital. The access now provided through the Fibrus Community Fund to purchase devices to get online and to build computer skills is an opportunity that will only boost the ability to stay connected.”

To learn more about the latest round of the Fibrus Community Fund, visit www.communityfoundationni.org.