Southend charity Harp secures £190k digital inclusion funding

Harp Receives Funding for Digital Inclusion Project

Harp has been awarded funding through the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, a program backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The charity won in a competitive bidding process. The funds will be used to integrate digital access and skills into its recovery services.

This initiative aims to help homeless individuals access vital services needed to regain stability.

CEO’s Statement on Digital Inclusion

Vanessa Hemmings, CEO of Harp, stated, “We are pleased to be part of this project and to have received this funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.”

She added, “People experiencing homelessness are far more likely to be digitally excluded, often without reliable access to devices, connectivity, or safe places to get online.”

Hemmings noted, “This grant allows us to embed digital inclusion into recovery itself, giving people the confidence and skills they need to rebuild their lives in a digital world.”

Details of the Digital Pathway to Recovery Project

The funding will support Harp’s new Digital Pathway to Recovery project. This project addresses the issue of digital exclusion, which is an “invisible but powerful barrier” for homeless individuals.

As essential services like GP appointments, benefits, housing applications, and employment support move online, a lack of digital access can worsen existing disadvantages.

The program is already underway and will continue for several months.

Training and Resources for Digital Access

The project includes training Digital Champions, who are staff, volunteers, and service users. This training aims to make digital confidence a part of everyday recovery.

Supervised digital access points will be installed across multiple Harp services. Tablets, assistive technology, and internet connectivity will be provided for those without their own devices.

Harp is also co-designing an online portal with service users. This will give them greater ownership of their recovery journey and easier access to resources, training, and volunteering opportunities.

Support from Local MP

David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, expressed his support: “I’m so pleased that the brilliant Harp will be getting £190,000 as part of the Digital Inclusion Fund, which will improve digital access for homeless people.”

He added, “Getting some of our most vulnerable the help and support they need is Harp’s bread and butter – and I’m thrilled this money will go towards even more great work.”