and make a real difference to children and families in our community.
The IICF recognises that recovery from this pandemic is going to take time, is not going to be easy and brings new challenges to our local communities. One notable issue is digital exclusion. The crisis has deepened the digital divide, making it more difficult to complete online schoolwork, apply for jobs, and access vital services, leading to lost education and opportunity for the country’s most vulnerable.
In a recent study, primary school pupils from struggling households were found to be more likely to find home learning harder than their more comfortable off peers due to noise levels (59% to 50%), lack of space (45% to 22%), lack of technology (45% to 26%) and lack of internet (35% to 16%).*
IICF’s response to the digital divide
Our initial industry-wide campaign in 2020 raised over £105,000 and helped more than 3,250 people. IICF believes the Industry can continue to play an important role in revitalising communities by donating funds and devices and providing practical support to disadvantaged children and families.
To this end, IICF has launched the COVID-19 Revitalising Communities Fund and events to help decrease the digital divide through collective industry action.
How can you help?
You can make a real difference to children and families impacted by the digital divide:
| Donate Funds | Make a personal or corporate donation: givi.ng/sohe | ||
| Fundraise as a Team | Join IICF’s Step Up Challenge from 29 March – a great way to get active and engage your team in a safe, friendly competition: iicf.org.uk/events | ||
| Fundraise as a Company | Be a sponsor or invite colleagues and clients to our 5th Anniversary Celebration. Join a guided wine and cheese tasting led by Taste of the Vine and network virtually while raising vital funds for charity: iicf.org.uk/events | ||
| Donate Devices | View organisations accepting donations: https://therestartproject.org/ Organisations shortlisted by IICF are listed on page 2 and on our website. |
What impact will your donation have?
You will help children and families gain access to the data, devices and support they need to succeed in life while demonstrating the insurance industry can be a force for social good. -
Learn how IICF helped St Giles Trust and The Access Project in 2020 at www.iicf.org.uk/news.
Where can you donate equipment?
Organisations identified by IICF are listed below. Please note, IICF does not have a relationship with any of these organisations.
| Name | Description | Link |
| Dons Local Action | Can donate technology or purchase tech on a student’s Amazon wish list | https://donslocalaction.org/keep-kids-connected/ |
| Little Lives | Works with local authorities to identify local needs; offers collection services | www.littlelives.org.uk/donate/donate-electronics-free-charity-collection/ |
| Computer for Charities | Wipes data and recycles equipment for charities in UK and abroad | www.computersforcharities.org/donate |
| Weee Charity | Recycles computers and equipment for donations and resale to charity | www.weeecharity.co.uk |
| Donate a PC | Individuals can request data to be wiped and donate technology | www.donateapc.org.uk |
| Pass it On | Based in Edinburgh. Individual and business donations accepted | www.passitoncomputers.co.uk/what-we-do/how-we-help/how-you-can-help/donate-pcs/ |
| Computer Aid International | Big and small corporate donations to non-profits worldwide | https://www.computeraid.org |
On behalf of the communities we serve, IICF thanks you for your support.
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