The Integrated Care System launched an innovative new challenge fund to tackle digital exclusion in healthcare across the county.

Digital health and care innovation is beginning to transform health services, and the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of digital healthcare support.

However, it has also shone a light on the inequalities of digital access to health and care services, as people who do not have access to information and services online are likely to be more at risk of poorer health and social care outcomes.

The ICS Health Inequalities Challenge Prize 2022 aims to tackle the digital divide in our communities and support the most vulnerable people in our community.

It encourages NHS organisations, social care organisations, charities and local innovators to help tackle health and social care inequalities caused by digital exclusion.

A spokesperson for ICS said: "We want to support people within our local communities and local organisations who have a good idea to build successful digital inclusion projects.

"As such, we are looking to support projects that are designed to help those less fortunate to access digital healthcare."

This includes those who cannot speak English, the homeless, the elderly, those with disabilities and mental health conditions as well as supporting people from traveller communities.

Individuals, groups and organisations wishing to apply to help with the integration of at-risk groups must do so by February 1

Eight finalists will each be awarded a grant of £3,000 for projects designed to support those who are digitally excluded.

From these, one winner will be chosen and awarded an additional £10,000 prize money to continue their project.

For more information visit https://www.cambscf.org.uk/cambridgeshire-peterborough-health-inequalities-fund.html