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A charity ball set up to bridge the digital divide in Leeds has raised £50,000 to help organisations fighting to improve access for disadvantaged people in the city.

The annual Leeds Digital Ball brought together more than 350 people from the tech community to talk about the causes of digital exclusion and raise funds to tackle the issue.

Cleveland Henry, a board advisor for the ball and trustee with Leeds Community Foundation, said: “The digital divide in Leeds was really highlighted during the pandemic. For example, some children were left unable to study due to a lack of access to technology at home, and the elderly and less fortunate were cut off from vital online services.

"Economic pressures facing everyone this winter could truly exacerbate this position for many across the city.”

Stephanie Hirst hosted the Leeds Digital Ball this year. Credit: Kane Fulton

As the region’s largest independent funder, Leeds Community Foundation distributes grants to organisations working to improve education, health and employment opportunities for vulnerable communities.

It helped to choose the five winnings projects from 21 applications, with each successful charity getting £10,000 towards providing technology for those in less advantaged areas.

Among the beneficiaries is Smart Works, which opened in Mabgate Mills in November 2019. Dedicated to helping vulnerable women, the charity provides aid to enter and re-enter the workplace by supporting clients with workwear, confidence-building and coaching for job interviews.

Other charities receiving a donation include Burmantofts Senior Action, which aims to improve the quality of living for the elderly by reducing isolation and loneliness, and Your Back Yard, a social enterprise that co-ordinates activities to help people live healthier and happier lives. Meanwhile, the Highrise Project explores the challenges of living in social housing and its impact on wellbeing.

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is among the charities to win a £10,000 boost from the Leeds Digital Ball. Pictured on the farm is charity chief executive Adam Ogilvie. Credit: James Hardisty

The final charity to receive funding is Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, a charity and working farm established in 1980 to provide a 'taste of the country' within the city. It offers educational services to disadvantaged people and provides environmental education to primary school children.

The next Leeds Digital Ball will take place in May 2023 at the Royal Armouries, with organisers hoping to unite supporters again to raise funds for another round of projects.

Leeds Digital Ball donates £50,000 to charities including Smart Works and Meanwood Valley Urban Farm