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£2m for UK online centres tackling social exclusion

UK online centres across England will get the chance to bid for their share of a £2million government grant for community projects with socially excluded or disadvantaged groups.

The Social Impact Demonstrator Grant Funding, released today, was announced in the Government's Social Exclusion Action Plan in September. The two-year programme will help UK online centres develop projects for five key groups: older people, families in poverty, teenage parents, adults with mental illnesses and those supporting children in care.

Managing Director of UK online centres Helen Milner said: "The relationship between digital exclusion and social exclusion should not be underestimated, and by connecting people to technology they can be reconnected with society. UK online centres are already working in their communities with hard to reach groups, and this funding will help them make an even greater impact, getting even more socially and digitally excluded people online for the first time, learning new skills, and interacting with government e-services.

"By working together with other organisations, they can extend or create programmes that will support the priorities of the Social Exclusion Action Plan. I'd encourage all UK online centres or community organisations to find out more about how they can get involved, and get the funding working in their areas for the people that need it most."

For more information on the Social Impact Demonstrators Grant Funding, guidance on bid criteria and application forms, please visit http://www.helpisathand.gov.uk/offers/large-grants-2006/

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