Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT) is delighted to announce that we have secured a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund to support our Hertfordshire-wide digital inclusion project, "Staying Connected," for the next three years. This vital project, which began in 2020, is dedicated to supporting the 10% of people in Hertfordshire who are unable to access the digital world.

We are working in partnership with Communities 1^st , Community Action Dacorum, Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts, Welwyn and Hatfield CVS and North Herts and Stevenage CVS using each of our strengths and local knowledge and networks. Digital isolation often leads to social isolation, and with the growing intersection of digital poverty and financial poverty, "Staying Connected" addresses these critical issues by focusing on areas of poverty and skills gaps. The project operates through a comprehensive four-step

approach:

1. Access to equipment - Providing essential hardware to those in need.
2. Access to connectivity - Ensuring internet connectivity for participants.
3. Offering hands-on assistance and support with our dedicated team of Digital Champions
4. Facilitating skill development and community building through targeted training sessions.

"Staying Connected" is more than just a digital inclusion initiative; it is a lifeline for many who find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. By empowering individuals with the tools and skills they need to navigate the digital world, we are fostering greater social inclusion and opening up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

"We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund have committed to support and fund the work of our Digital Inclusion activities in Watford and Three Rivers" said Amanda Williams, Deputy CEO of Watford and Three Rivers Trust. "This funding will enable us to continue, expand and to support more people in our community, enhancing their digital communication skills, making their lives a little easier and reducing isolation"

“I am very pleased to hear that the Staying Connected project has been funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. The work done to support the 10% of Hertfordshire residents who are not able to get online is brilliant and I am very proud of the difference it is making across our county.” Terry Douris – Chairman, Hertfordshire County Council.

For more information about "Staying Connected", please visit https://www.w3rt.org/digitalinclusion and if you have any questions, please contact Alex Murray, W3RT CVS Lead for Watford on 07908 2099098 or by email at [email protected]