Charities benefit from GoFibre funding support

A Scottish broadband provider is supporting local communities in North Northumberland.

GoFibre has awarded funding to four charities through its GoFurther Fund, part of the company’s social impact programme. 

The grants, totalling £15,000, will help organisations transform local lives in the areas where GoFibre is rolling out its full-fibre broadband network.

The recipients include Hospice Care North Northumberland (£3000), Border Links (£2700), Inky Fingers Art Club (£2915) and Berwick Rangers Juniors Youth Development Trust (£2000). 

Hospice Care will use its funding to provide over 400 hours of end-of-life support in patients’ homes, while Border Links will enhance digital access and training at its Disability Hub. 

Lucy Bell, head of income generation at Hospice Care North Northumberland, said: “This funding is a game-changer, allowing us to continue to support those who need it most. 

“Our mission focuses on providing practical care and for adults with terminal illnesses and those requiring palliative care. 

“We are incredibly grateful to GoFibre for rewarding our efforts to enhance the lives of individuals in our community.”

Melanie Deans, director at Border Links, added: “With the backing from the GoFurther Fund, we’ll be able to invest in key practical assets such as an interactive whiteboard in our Disability Hub's training room. 

“We’re really grateful for the award and proud to continue to provide comprehensive training and skill-building resources for the adults and communities we work with.”

Meanwhile, Inky Fingers Art Club will deliver 24 free art sessions for children aged 4-10, and Berwick Rangers Juniors will maintain access to facilities for more than 200 young players.

Anthea Wood, founder of Inky Fingers Art Club, said: “GoFibre’s support for Inky Fingers is hugely appreciated. 

“The funding will be put towards the things which we need to ensure we can continue to run art sessions for children across rural Northumberland.”

Darren Heston, volunteer at Berwick Rangers Juniors Youth Development Trust, added: “We are deeply grateful to GoFibre for helping to kick off the new season with a win through the GoFurther Fund donation. 

“The money will help us to make sure that our players aren’t held back as they develop their skills on the pitch.”

The GoFurther Fund focuses on environmental benefits, community wellbeing, education and skills and digital inclusion. 

Since its launch in 2023, the fund has supported charities across Scotland, helping communities access education, combat social isolation and improve opportunities for young people.

The initiative runs alongside GoFibre’s work on Project Gigabit, which is extending full-fibre broadband to over 3750 homes and businesses in North Northumberland, including Berwick, Wooler, Seahouses, Bamburgh and Cornhill-on-Tweed.

Neil Conaghan, chief executive at GoFibre, added: “We know that charities continue to play a valuable role within communities, bringing people together and supporting vulnerable individuals. 

“This is why we set up the GoFurther Fund.

“These organisations have been chosen as the first winners in North Northumberland for each making the kind of positive impact within the local community that the GoFurther Fund is designed to support.

“Through everything we do at GoFibre, we are all about connecting communities in as many ways as possible, building long-standing relationships and contributing much-needed funding where we can to make sure our network has a lasting impact.”

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