KCOM to double digital inclusion support for local youngsters
SUPPORTED: KCOM’S previous Digital Inclusion Grant winners
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Thousands more children across Hull and East Yorkshire will get the chance to thrive online thanks to KCOM.
The Hull-based broadband provider has pledged to double the number of STEM and online safety events it hosts for youngsters, at an event to celebrate the success of its Digital Inclusion Grants.
The event, held at the company’s Hull city centre headquarters, marked the first 18 months of the grant scheme which has so far donated more than £120,000 to 12 local groups battling digital exclusion within the region.
Launching the event, KCOM chief people officer Kenneth Ross said: “It’s a pleasure today to mark a huge milestone in our mission to reduce digital exclusion – and change lives for the better – within the KCOM region.
“Since we launched our Digital Inclusion Grants in 2024, we’ve been blown away by the quality and range of groups applying for funding. The 12 successful applicants we’re celebrating today are making a real difference in their local communities by giving disadvantaged groups the vital skills and access to new opportunities they need.
“We live in an increasingly digital world where everything from applying for a job to paying your bills, booking a doctor’s appointment, staying in touch with friends and family and doing homework with the kids, is online – if you don’t have access to that world there’s a danger of being left behind.
‘FANTASTIC TO SEE’: Hannah Whelan of The Good Things Foundation
“Through our grants we’re seeking to level the playing field for everyone, from children starting out in primary school to older people who’ve never been online before, to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.”
Announcing three new grant winners on the day – Withernsea’s The Shores Centre, Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire and Sight Support Hull & East Yorkshire – Louise Babych, KCOM’s community impact partner, said that the company was determined not to rest on its laurels.
She said: “Today, we’re pledging to go further than ever before to bolster digital inclusion by recommitting to our Digital Grants scheme, as well as doubling the number of STEM and online safety events we’re holding for primary school children next year.
“We’ll also welcome more than 3,000 children – that’s 1,000 more than this year – to our Learning Zone in 2026 to take part in digital skills sessions.
“That’s a great foundation, empowering the next generation to reach new heights and take a full role in our increasingly connected society.”
Hannah Whelan, policy and advocacy lead at Government digital inclusion advisors The Good Things Foundation, was a keynote speaker at the event.
PARTNERS: From left, Louise Babych, KCOM’s community impact partner, Hannah Whelan, policy and advocacy lead at The Good Things Foundation, Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull city council, and Kenneth Ross, CPO of KCOM
She said: “It’s fantastic to see greater investment from KCOM into digital inclusion. The Good Things Foundation knows first-hand how crucial cross sector collaboration is, both on a local and national level.
“It’s been great to see the work KCOM and the community organisations they support are doing and the impact they are having at their digital inclusion event today.”
Also speaking at the event, Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, welcomed KCOM’s continuing commitment to fostering digital inclusion.
He said: “I give full credit to KCOM for the work they’re doing on the really important issue of digital inclusion.
“This event shows just how important digital inclusion is for residents in Hull and the surrounding areas, and how limiting it can be when people don’t have access to online services and support.
“So, it’s great to see KCOM working with so many local organisations to help people of all ages to get the access they need and to learn new skills.”
For more details about KCOM Digital Inclusion Grants and how to apply visit www.kcom.com/responsibility/sustainability/digital-inclusion-grants/