GoFibre support for Northumberland charity Bell View will help bring IT sessions to more people
An independent broadband provider has announced that it is teaming up with a north Northumberland-based charity to help support residents in the area with their IT issues.
GoFibre has come on board as the key partner for Bell View’s ‘Tea, Tech and Talk’ sessions, which are weekly community-based workshops that help to solve attendees’ technology problems.
Bell View is an independent charity that offers a range of health, well-being and social activities – both from its Resource Centre in Belford and across a wide surrounding area in north Northumberland. It provides support services to thousands of people every year.
GoFibre will provide investment, which will be used to run and promote the sessions held in the broadband company’s build areas in north Northumberland, through its social impact strategy that aims to make a positive, long-term difference for its customers and their communities.
Tackling digital inclusion is a key part of the strategy. GoFibre has also previously supported HospiceCare North Northumberland, Border Links, Inky Fingers Art Club and Berwick Rangers Juniors Youth Development Trust from its community-focused grant initiative, the GoFurther Fund.
Juliet Short, head of operations at Bell View, said: “In rural North Northumberland, many people struggle not only with broadband connectivity but also with the confidence and skills to use rapidly evolving digital technology effectively.
“Our Tea, Tech and Talk sessions bridge this gap by providing patient, friendly support in a relaxed social setting.
“We’re thrilled to work with a company that understands connectivity is about more than just cables – it’s about connecting people. This investment from GoFibre will help to bring our vital Tea, Tech and Talk sessions to more local people.”
GoFibre’s key partnership with the charity follows a significant period of growth for the company in north Northumberland.
Thousands of homes and businesses across the area can now stream, shop and work online without buffering thanks to it building a new full fibre network.
Neil Conaghan, chief executive at GoFibre, said: “Helping to reduce the digital divide in the areas where we build is very important to GoFibre, so we’re delighted to be partnering with Bell View’s Tea, Tech and Talk sessions.
“These workshops not only help local people with their tech issues, but also support their well-being through providing an opportunity to interact with others at the same time.”