Last week, we had the privilege of visiting Calderdale to meet with Rachel Oates and Danni Bailey from The Community Foundation for Calderdale. This foundation does incredible work supporting communities, charities and voluntary groups across the region, to address inequalities and create opportunities for those who need them most.
During our visit, we were introduced to two remarkable services that Quickline are helping to support and that are making a real difference in their communities: Womenscentre and St Augustine’s Centre.
Womenscentre offers free, confidential advice and support to women facing challenges with mental and emotional health, housing, and domestic violence, while also providing crucial advocacy services. We had the opportunity to meet two key members of staff who will be using our funding and support to transform lives through digital empowerment.
Their digital skills program focuses on essential areas including CV preparation, email etiquette, form filling, and internet safety. These regular sessions provide a vital lifeline for women who might otherwise struggle to meet the demands of everyday life without these fundamental digital skills. In our increasingly connected world, these abilities aren’t just helpful, they’re essential for accessing services, finding employment, and maintaining independence.
Alexina Lewis, PR and Communications Executive said: “Visiting Womenscentre really highlighted how something as simple as digital confidence can open doors to independence and opportunity.
“The passion and commitment of the team there was inspiring to witness, and it’s clear that our support will help women gain the practical skills they need to navigate everyday challenges and take control of their futures”
We also visited St Augustine’s Centre which works tirelessly with refugees and people seeking asylum across Calderdale, providing practical support to help them rebuild their lives with dignity. The centre also offers a diverse range of activities that help people feel happier and more connected to their new community.
What struck us most was how the centre truly buzzes with life and activity. Service users can access on-site services including haircuts, manicures, and new clothing, while also connecting with others through outdoor games and sharing meals cooked in-house by fellow service users. This creates not just a service centre, but a genuine community hub.
Beyond these social connections, St Augustine’s provides essential services including citizens advice, healthcare support, and financial guidance. The centre even features a bike shop where users can hire bicycles to navigate the city more easily. Our funding will help St Augustine’s tech hub, a vital resource that provides service users with both essential digital skills training and practical support such as laptop and mobile phone repairs and loans. By keeping individuals connected to the wider world, the hub plays a crucial role in tackling feelings of isolation and segregation.
Connor Moore, Social Values Executive said: “By combining digital skills training with practical tech support, it ensures service users have the tools they need to stay connected and independent.
“We’re incredibly proud to support an initiative that tackles digital exclusion head-on and creates real opportunities for lasting change.”
Rachel Oates, Engagement and Communications Manager for The Community Foundation for Calderdale added: “We were delighted to welcome Alex and Connor from Quickline to see first-hand the incredible impact their funding is making in our community in Calderdale.
“They have funded groups breaking down digital exclusion. It’s not just about learning how to get online, book a doctor’s appointment or pay a bill, it’s about changing lives. For some women, knowing how to turn off GPS tracking on their phone has brought safety, peace of mind and reduced their anxiety. For others, being able to connect online has opened doors to confidence, independence and opportunity.
“We’re so grateful to Quickline for taking the time to meet the people behind these projects and for continuing to support such life changing work.”
With Quickline’s funding, these two charities are set to change many lives for the better in the Calderdale area. Our visit reinforced our commitment to supporting organisations that understand their communities’ needs and work tirelessly to address them. We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact our support will have on the lives of women, refugees, and asylum seekers across the Calderdale region.
You can read more around how Quickline are supporting communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news and updates.
