Power Up 2.0 empowers over 1,900 people with digital skills and financial confidence

Supporting people with digital skills and financial confidence

Good Things has announced impressive results from its Power Up 2.0 initiative, which supported over 1,900 people over 2 years to gain essential digital skills and increase their financial confidence. 

Developed to help fix the digital divide, Power Up 2.0 has helped individuals across the UK enhance employability and financial stability, with significant findings gathered from an independent evaluation conducted by Chrysalis.

Delivered through 9 grantee partners, the initiative focused on three pillars: People, Provision, and Places – equipping underserved communities to participate fully in today’s digital economy.

Power Up 2.0 impact highlights

More than 90% of participants reported improvements in digital skills, online safety, and access to digital devices. 

Key metrics include:

• 83% of participants saw an increase in digital skills

• 78% reported greater confidence online

• 77% felt safer navigating the internet.

Among participants seeking employment, Power Up 2.0 provided a significant boost in job readiness:

• 70% actively applied for jobs

• 44% secured interviews or received job offers

• 44% reported securing new employment or improving their job situation.

Nearly two-thirds of participants are now financially better off, thanks to training on budgeting, debt management, and benefits access.

• 67% reported improved financial circumstances

• 57% were able to access previously unclaimed benefits

• 63% gained skills in managing finances.

Targeted support for those most in need

Power Up 2.0 has successfully reached individuals facing challenging life circumstances, with:

• 67% of participants were unemployed at the programme’s outset

• 62% receiving benefits

• A large proportion from minority and underserved backgrounds, including those with disabilities and limited formal education.

Building community resilience through local partnerships

Central to Power Up 2.0’s success was its partnership model, collaborating with libraries, charities, and local community organisations to deliver personalised support. By building a network of trusted local partners, Power Up 2.0 ensured access to ongoing digital and financial education, providing sustainable benefits to participants long after completing the programme.

Power Up 2.0’s collaborative approach also enabled effective referrals and resource sharing, creating a connected community network that can continue supporting digital inclusion.

Increased capacity and lasting change for partner organisations

Power Up 2.0 has not only empowered individuals but has also transformed partner organisations, helping them expand their digital services, reach new demographics, and build digital resources. 

Many partner organisations have secured additional funding to sustain their work, creating a lasting legacy in digital inclusion.

The partner organisations were: Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), City Gateway, CRUMBS Project, Deaf Action, Generation, Providence Row, Renaisi, Salvation Army and Simon Community Scotland. 

"Power Up 2.0 has shown the transformative impact of digital skills, from increasing employability to improving financial stability. The programme’s success underscores the critical need for digital inclusion, and we’re proud to work with our partners to create lasting change. Together we can fix the digital divide."

 

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive, Good Things Foundation

Supported by JPMorganChase, Power Up 2.0 reflects Good Things Foundation’s mission to ensure equal access to digital skills and inclusion for everyone in the UK.