Mayor offers free devices, data and digital skills to drive up employment in West Yorkshire

People who are unemployed and without digital skills could benefit from a free device and vital support to become more tech-savvy and land a job, it can be announced. 

The initiative, launched by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin yesterday (15 October), will gift people a free device such as a laptop, along with personalised digital skills support and free data or Wi-Fi connectivity, to help them access jobs, training and essential online services from home.

It follows a pledge from Mayor Brabin to help guarantee a “healthy working life” to everyone in the region, which has seen her partner with NHS leaders to join up health and employment services in the region. The partnership aims to support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into good jobs that work for them.

The initiative will first benefit communities in Leeds, before being rolled out across West Yorkshire over the coming months. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will invest £250,000 into the scheme.

Working with local authorities, the innovative pilot will support partners in the voluntary and community sector to provide free devices and at least five hours of personalised digital skills training to those who need it most, through a tried and tested approach that targets vital support at those who are least able to access well-paid work in the local labour market.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Too many people in West Yorkshire are locked out of opportunity because they can’t get online or don’t have the skills they need to confidently use the internet. That isn’t fair on people and isn’t healthy for our economy.

“Today’s funding means more people will get a device and hands-on support to build their confidence – so they can find good jobs, access training, manage their health, and connect with the essential online services that make everyday life easier.

“Through our ambitious Healthy Working Life partnership with the NHS, we’re bringing together the practical, personalised and trusted support that people need to succeed, helping us build a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Fatima Khan-Shah, Chair of Digital Inclusion West Yorkshire and Inclusivity Champion for the region, said:

“In today’s world, more and more is online – from banking to health appointments to job applications. Yet we also know a fifth of our working-age residents lack the essential digital skills they need to work and thrive. This can and must change.

“Our pioneering Digital Inclusion West Yorkshire programme has supported almost 300 organisations to back people’s digital skills, building confidence and putting more money into people’s pockets. As chair of the digital inclusion group it has been humbling to see and hear the impact this has had.

“This new funding will help us to go even further, ensuring that everyone in the region can access the basics of life and have a fair chance at flourishing”.

The new support was unveiled on a visit to GIPSIL in East Leeds. Short for Gipton Supported Independent Living, the organisation supports communities with the hands-on help and resources they need to thrive.

GIPSIL will be one of the Leeds-based organisations gifting devices, data and digital skills with the backing of the Mayor and 100% Digital Leeds. A collaboration between Leeds City Council and the Leeds Health and Care Partnership, 100% Digital Leeds is the citywide effort to drive digital inclusion through trusted community and charity sector partners.

During the visit to GIPSIL, the Mayor and Inclusivity Champion met with both charity workers and those receiving support with their digital skills, culminating in the gifting of a free, refurbished laptop to someone seeking employment and needing help to land a job.

Louise Forrest, Director of Development & Partnerships at GIPSIL, said:

“This funding from WYCA is transformational. It allows us to reach young people who are not only struggling with their mental health but are also disconnected from education, employment, and opportunity.

"With this support, we can walk alongside them - building confidence, restoring hope, and opening doors to a future they may have thought was out of reach.”

A resident who has received support from 100% Digital Leeds and GIPSIL, said:

“When I had to leave home and move into emergency accommodation, I didn’t have a phone or Wi-Fi. I was in my final year of A levels and really struggling to keep up.

“Getting a Wi-Fi box and SIM made such a difference, it meant I could complete my university applications online. After a lot of hard work, I’ve been offered a place to study Nursing with a foundation year at University.

“I’m so happy and really grateful for the support.”