We are delighted to say that this year our HUGO project won the Northern TPAS award for ‘Excellence in Digital Engagement’.

HUGO (Helping U Get Online) has two digital buses, a coach and a minibus, which tour local neighbourhoods and flood them with free wi-fi. The project helps people of all ages get online and improve their digital skills. The HUGO team helps them to discover how the internet can be fun and benefit their lives – from skyping their grandchildren and keeping in touch with old friends, to searching for jobs, or saving money by getting online bargains.

This year we have worked with youngsters on local estates, held skype parties for residents in our older persons housing schemes and supported women due for release from Newhall Prison with housing and benefit applications.

We have worked with 198 individuals and the project has achieved an overall footfall of 495 visitors.

HUGO is funded by £40,000 from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Digital Challenge Deal and match funded by Leeds Fed. The project works in partnership with Leeds City Council and First Bus.