The Level Up campaign, which runs throughout April, will help end digital exclusion among young homeless people
Framework have announced a new fundraising campaign aimed at ending digital exclusion by providing young homeless people with the resources to get online. Running from 1-30 April, Level Up will task gamers with raising £25,000 in sponsored fundraising to provide more than 1,000 young homeless people access to wifi, as well as smartphones, tablets, laptops, as well as games consoles and gaming equipment for their accommodation.
Digital exclusion is becoming an increasingly important issue as the world becomes more and more digitised. A 2016 study from the House of Commons indicated that more than 90% of jobs require a level of digital skill and, while many homeless people have access to phones, they are increasingly being left behind by advancing technology and access to wifi and resources to charge them. Resultantly, a group that have already been excluded socially are now facing further exclusion digitally.
The Level Up campaign has been boosted by The Nottingham Building Society, who have pledged £10,000, which will fund wifi for all of Framework's residential services supporting young people for a year. Their generous donation also comes with a challenge to the public to get involved, which can be done in a number of ways.
Gamers can take part individually, or as part of a team, either playing something new or an old favourite. There are no strict rules, as participants can either choose to complete a set number of hours during the month, host a virtual tournament or complete their favourite game in record time. All that you need to do is decide a format, sign up and start fundraising.
Following our successful Homeless to Home activity challenge last November, a gaming challenge was the next logical step
Framework’s Head of Fundraising and Communications, Claire Eden said, “The homeless young people we house and support need help in very many ways – including access to IT. The idea behind Level Up is to level the digital playing field for the young people we support." She continued, "Just like the rest of us, access to IT has become even more vital for our young people during the pandemic: it enables their online learning, applying for housing, setting up a bank account, claiming benefits or applying for a job. And, like the rest of us, it helps with relaxing and chilling out – playing favourite games on their chosen console. As a result of the pandemic our fundraising events currently take place online. Following our successful Homeless to Home activity challenge last November, a gaming challenge was the next logical step."
Participants are encourage to use the hashtag #LU4F, and Framework is recommending a minimum fundraising target of £250, with incentives available along the way, including a free Level Up tee shirt for hitting £50 and prizes for the top fundraisers. “We hope that gamers worldwide will rally to support this important cause which will give homeless young people a better chance to make their way in the world and enjoy life," Eden added. “People can take part in the Level Up challenge however they like – hosting a virtual tournament, doing a speed run, smashing a record, or staging a marathon."
Registration is open now - it's free too sign up, and is open to all ages (although you need to be over eighteen to register in person, anyone younger requires a parent or guardian to sign up on their behalf). Comprehensive step-by-step instructions, tips and advice, as well as a link to JustGiving where gamers can create their fundraising page, are available via the registration webpage.
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