Bath-based cooperative Dot Project, which works with organisations that are creating positive change to help them achieve their goals through technology, has been awarded £465,000 in National Lottery funding to provide its expertise to organisations tackling mental health, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
In partnership with London-based Shift, which tackles social problems through the power of design thinking, it will provide digital expertise to sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis through a new organisation called Beyond.
Launched in October, Beyond is a collective initiative that provides digital, data and design training, workshops, coaching and community to help non-profits adapt and respond in times of crisis.
Covid-19 has had a significant impact on certain sectors, which is why Dot Project and Shift have chosen to focus the support available through Beyond on the sectors of mental health and wellbeing, financial wellbeing, early years and sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Through Beyond, Dot Project will bring additional capability to the initiative providing opportunities for non-profits in these sectors to access support, mentoring and a chance to network and share common challenges.
In particular it is keen to reach small organisations that are delivering crucial services but might not usually have the chance to access digital expertise and mentoring.
During the Covid-19 pandemic Dot Project has been supporting organisations, particularly small charities, to transition their services online and adapt to remote working.
Cat Ainsworth, pictured, who co-founded Dot Project in 2016, said: “We feel a responsibility to reach as many organisations within the mental health and wellbeing and sexual abuse and domestic violence sectors that need support to deliver services effectively online.
“We made a conscious decision to focus on these sectors knowing that, in partnership with Shift, we can target resource and expertise to sectors hardest hit by the pandemic.
“The funding provided by The National Lottery Community Fund is so important to building capabilities in digital which will last beyond the pandemic.
“There is no question that we should be working in partnership with other digital agencies at this time, the demand for support is greater than one organisation can meet.”
The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK.
Its senior head of UK funding Cassie Robinson said: “We’re proud to be supporting Dot Project in their vital work, supporting small charities and community organisations to adapt to the demand for digital services.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this partnership will work collaboratively, share expertise and help charities to build digital capabilities, ensuring those working within the mental health, sexual abuse and domestic violence sectors can continue to reach those most affected by the crisis.”
Shift founder Nick Stanhope added: “Civil society organisations are working incredibly hard to respond to the Covid-19 crisis and maintain and adapt their services for people and communities across England.
“This boost of more support from Dot Project will make a real difference and we’re very pleased to be working alongside them as part of Beyond, through which Shift is already providing support for organisations working in financial wellbeing and the early years.
“From January, the addition of dot project’s work in mental health and wellbeing and sexual abuse and domestic violence will help even more organisations build confidence and skills in digital and design and feel better equipped to support their communities through the crisis.”
