PRESS RELEASE: Cliftonville – Local group secures funding to provide IT support and financial know-how for those living with mental health issues

SpeakUpCIC, an independent mental health support group serving East Kent, has received a £29,000 grant from money raised by HealthWhole through The Health Lottery. The funding will enable SpeakUpCIC to run a ‘digital inclusion drop-in’ service each week where people living with mental ill-health can get advice and support. In addition, there will also be a weekly programme of more formal training workshops with the aim of giving people skills in online access and financial capability.

Although we live in an increasingly online world, the UK Government’s digital strategy published this year recognises that a significant part of the population remains digitally excluded. One in 10 adults has never used the internet and many more are missing out on the opportunities the digital world offers, whether through lack of connectivity, digital skills or motivation. This is turn can exacerbate social exclusion, financial hardship and isolation.

Maggie Gallant, Managing Director of SpeakUpCIC, said, “We have found that there are a number of people who are finding it difficult to cope with the pace of change of modern technology in terms of things like benefit claims and banking and accessing healthcare advice and appointments. People living with poor mental health can also be vulnerable to online scamming. Our project will help give local people the skills and information to better access the services they need as well as helping them protect themselves from scams and fraudsters.”

The new service began in October and funding of £29,286 has been received to allow it to run for two years.

NOTES FOR EDITORS 

HealthWhole is a Community Interest Company committed to raising money to address health inequalities in Kent and Medway. www.healthwholecic.org.uk

The Health Lottery is operated for and on behalf of 51 Community Interest Companies across England, Scotland and Wales, all holding society lottery licenses issued by the Gambling Commission. www.healthlottery.co.uk

People’s Health Trust is an independent charity addressing health inequalities across Great Britain. It works closely with each Community Interest Company distributing grants. www.peopleshealthtrust.org.uk

The Government’s Digital Strategy can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-digital-strategy/2-digital-skills-and-inclusion-giving-everyone-access-to-the-digital-skills-they-need

Media enquiries to: Darren Johnson 07799 731 682

darrenjohnson@crowfliescommunications.com

Website: http://www.speakupcic.co.uk/