About Thurrock Connect

Thurrock Connect is a funded project to help Thurrock VCFSE organisations build digital inclusion and resilience for themselves and the communities they support.

What is the Thurrock Connect Project?

Due to the changes in ways of working over the last few years, a significant disparity became apparent between people who have access to affordable, reliable internet service and those who lack it. The term of “Digital Divide” was coined to describe the situation. With cost of living, demand of efficiencies and both private and public organisations forging ahead with digital applications, the ability to service and support people who fell into the socioeconomic, geographic or demographic factors creating the digital divide grew.

Additional support was sought from organisations who historically support the most vulnerable members on the community leading to a demand to upskill and equip VCFSE organisations. Thurrock Connect is a fund that seeks to help Thurrock VCFSE organisations build digital inclusion and resilience for themselves and the communities they support.

VCFSE organisations include any community group, charity, social enterprise, friendship group, informal group, support group or community forum. Funded by The Levelling Up Fund New levelling up and community investments – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Thurrock Connect is administered by Thurrock CVS in partnership with Thurrock Council.

Following on from the Thurrock CVS Digital Survey carried out at the end of 2023, VCFSE organisations in Thurrock told us they had 4 main needs.

The four main needs that the project will address:

Equipment such as laptops, desktops and printers
Improved connectivity
Training
Day to day IT support and advice

Thurrock Connect provides a solution to the requests by offering:

A funding programme to purchase IT equipment
A funding programme to create improved connectivity and opportunity
A suite of training, in person and online
Resources such as templates and example policies for digital operations
An IT support and advice service

Thurrock Connect funding programmes and specific training is only open to VCFSE organisations supporting Thurrock communities and individuals.

All other training on the resource library is open to all.

Applicants will be asked to join the Thurrock CVS membership as part of the application to ensure they are kept up to date with all project opportunities. Membership is free. They will also be asked to register on Thurrock Frontline.

Click Here to join our thurrock cvs membership

To launch Thurrock Connect, an open event was held on Monday 8^th July at Thurrock CVS.

Thurrock Connect Launch presentation

Frequently asked questions

What is the funding for?

There are two funding pots. One for digital equipment (£80,000) and one for support with connectivity (£30,000).

Who can apply for funding?

Any local VCFSE organisation in Thurrock.
VCFSE organisations include any community group, charity, social enterprise, friendship group, informal group, support group or community forum.
Applicants will be asked to join the Thurrock CVS membership as part of the application to ensure they are kept up to date with all project opportunities. Membership is free. They will also be asked to register on Thurrock Frontline.

What Equipment will the funding be available for?

There will be a range of IT equipment to choose from. These have been selected by reviews and recommendations from industry experts. If there is anything specific that is not in the list, please add this to your application notes and if there is enough requests, it may be considered. Please note, printers are not available for organisations with incomes less that £25,000. This is to promote the digital agenda and reduce paper use wherever possible. Printer services are available in Thurrock libraries. The full list of equipment can be found here.

What funding is available for equipment?

There will be funding between £1,000 and £8,000 available for equipment. Full details of the funding will be explained during the launch event on 8^th July 2024 and are within the Equipment Guidance.

What funding is available for connectivity issues?

Funding for capital elements will be available to increase connectivity. Full details of this funding will be explained during the launch event on 8^th July 2024 and are within the Connectivity Guidance.

How much funding is available for connectivity?

There will be a maximum of £8000 available for each qualifying organisation based on turnover. Full details including match funding will be explained at the launch event and are within the Connectivity Guidance.

What training will be available?

There will be a variety of free and paid for training. Based on the recent Digital Survey, priority training areas were identified, and this will available either within an online or classroom setting. Full training details can be found on the Training Page.

Who can attend the training?

Any VCFSE organisation can attend the training, however, there will be lots of online training that any member of the community can attend.

What sort of resources will be available?

Thurrock CVS is bringing together a range of templates and best practice resources to support VCFSE organisations in Thurrock. This will range from GDPR guidance, Online Safety as well as template policies for use with volunteers and staff. The resources should be taken purely as guidance and do not constitute legal advice when creating policies, particularly with regard to HR processes.

Is there support to complete the application form for funding?

Yes, the Launch Day on 8^th July 2024 will have applications available for completion along with Thurrock CVS representatives who can support in the completion of the application. Thurrock CVS as a membership organisation supports all their members, so if you need further advice and guidance with either fund, contact them on Jacqui.Payne@thurrockcvs.org

How are successful funding applications decided?

For the Equipment Fund, an independent panel will consider all applications and make the decision. The panel members, although anonymous, will not include any staff from Thurrock CVS.
For the Connectivity Fund, an initial Expression of Interest will be required first. If successful, you will be invited to make a formal application.

When is the funding application timeline?

Applications are now closed for funding (11/08/2024)

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