Digital + Finance Focus Support Project

Aim

We are raising funds to deliver a community-led initiative designed to tackle digital exclusion, financial hardship, and social isolation.

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Calm Minds UK is a registered charity based in East London, committed to fostering positive change in the community. We work to empower vulnerable individuals through tailored support programmes to develop helpful skills, confidence, and opportunities for sustainable employment and financial independence.

The Digital + Finance Focus Project is a Financial Well-Being community-led initiative designed to tackle financial hardship, digital exclusion, and social isolation among some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Calm Minds-UK is seeking support through the AVIVA Crowdfunding programme to deliver this vital project for a further 12 months, enabling individuals to gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to improve their financial stability and overall wellbeing.

Rising living costs, reduced incomes, and the rapid shift to online-only public services have left many people unable to access essential support, employment opportunities, and benefits. Those with limited digital skills, low income, poor mental health, or language barriers are disproportionately affected. This project directly responds to these challenges by combining digital skills support, financial capability, employment guidance, and mental health wellbeing within a trusted community setting.

Following the success of our pilot programme launched last year, demand for our services has increased significantly. The pilot demonstrated clear need and impact, with a growing number of service users engaging regularly and reporting improved confidence, independence, and ability to manage their finances and access services. Additional funding is now essential to scale up delivery and ensure that no one in our community is left behind.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Funding raised will support the running costs of the project for 12 months and enable Calm Minds-UK to strengthen its Community Digital Hub. This hub provides a safe, welcoming, and supportive space where individuals can access practical help, guidance, and social connection. It plays a crucial role in supporting people affected by income inequality, digital exclusion, loneliness, and mental health challenges to become more resilient and self-reliant.

The funding will be used to:

• Recruit a dedicated Digital Hub (IT) Support Worker
• Purchase essential IT equipment and systems for the hub
• Recruit and train a team of skilled volunteers to support programme delivery over 12 months

Through this funding, we will deliver a structured programme of activities, including:

• Free one-to-one and group IT support sessions to help people access online services, benefits, and job applications
• Employment and job-search support, including information, guidance, and referrals
• Financial health support focused on budgeting, managing debt, understanding credit, and making informed financial choices
• Weekly support groups to reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Monthly Mental Health Matters discussion forums to promote emotional wellbeing and peer support
• Development of strong partnerships with local agencies, training providers, and support organisations
• Building a network of income-hardship services, including financial assistance providers and food banks.

This project is particularly timely given the transition to Universal Credit and the increasing reliance on digital access for public services. At our centre, we continue to see a growing number of older people, low-income families, and young adults with low education levels and limited digital skills seeking urgent support.

With AVIVA’s support, the Digital + Finance Focus Project will deliver lasting, community-level impact by empowering people to improve their skills, access opportunities, manage their finances, and move towards greater independence and wellbeing.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made