Charity plugs into historic connection with MS3 to tackle digital poverty among disadvantaged families

Natasha Barley (left) of the Sailors’ Children’s Society with Tony Jopling and Liz Owen-Dyce of MS3 at the launch of their charity of the year partnership.

Disadvantaged families of seafarers will receive expert help to overcome the impact of digital poverty as a result of a new charity partnership.

The Sailors’ Children’s Society will also upgrade its own tech capabilities after being appointed as charity of the year by tech business MS3, which in addition will generate cash to support member families nationwide.

At the heart of the collaboration is the historic connection between the Society and MS3 Chief Operating Officer Tony Jopling.

Tony said: “My grandparents were very close to the Society. They used to have the children over for tea and my parents made friends with them. Those who didn’t go home to their families during holidays, or who didn’t have families, used to stay with my grandparents.

“I went to the Society’s bonfire night every year. I had swimming lessons in the pool and I was at secondary school with friends who lived with the Society. For a time we had a little job locking up the swimming pool at night.”

Natasha Barley, Chief Executive of the Society, said: “The benefits from the partnership for the business and the charity are mutual and it is such a collaborative approach.

“It’s a win-win because there are so many different ways that we can work together. It’s about partnering with like-minded organisations. We can see this is a good, ethical company which is doing some great work in our area.”

The Society, which was formed in Hull 203 years ago, now works to support disadvantaged children across the country from the Royal Navy, merchant navy, offshore wind industry, fishing fleets and inland waterways.

Hull-based MS3 operates an ultrafast full fibre network across East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and areas of South Yorkshire. 

The company has secured its 10,000th customer in Hull and is capable of connecting to 185,000 premises across the Hull and Humber region. It has also completed the build of its network in Scunthorpe, connecting 37,000 premises in the town, and is on track to complete the majority of its Hull build by the end of 2024.

Tony reported that orders increased by 500 per cent in the 12 months to March 2024 with new customers attracted by annual savings of up to £520 compared with other providers.

Under the partnership, MS3 will use its expertise to improve online connectivity for the Society’s families in the region.

It will also become the main sponsor of the Society’s Sportsman’s Lunch, an event which has taken place every October for more than 30 years and last year raised £75,000.

The140-strong team at MS3 has set up a committee to drive the fundraising campaign. Among other activities, they will donate gifts as part of the Society’s letter to Santa initiative. Zachary Whitelam, a technical support adviser at MS3, will next month join a corporate cycle ride of more than 200 miles from the Severn Bridge to the Humber Bridge.

Liz Owen-Dyce, Talent and Brand Partner at MS3, said: “We sought a unique charity partner to enhance our impact, and partnering with the Sailors Children's Society achieves that goal. The Society recognises our capabilities and is open to receiving input from everyone. This partnership is fostering a strong sense of identity and purpose within our organisation, as we engage in volunteering, promote digital inclusion, and support fundraising efforts.

“Our internal committee, comprised of team members from various departments, will collaborate closely with the Society's team to ensure mutual understanding and alignment of charitable goals. We are truly excited to be working with Natasha and her team!”

Natasha said: “Technology can present all sorts of  challenges for our families – children absolutely need access to the internet to do their school work. MS3 use a lot of equipment which can be passed on to our families once they no longer need it. 

“They will also provide support for us as a team. Part of my work is to modernise the charity and this partnership will help us upskill our team. The whole package will make an important difference for the families we are supporting from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Tony added: “Nobody should be disadvantaged when it comes to the internet because it has become the most important utility. Education is driven by it. Your entire home environment is built around the internet so why should anybody be without that?

“We can provide support by ensuring that the children and families within the Society are connected. We will work with the Society and the families to understand what they need. It might be connectivity, training and support around using the internet, getting access to the internet or to equipment, guidance around security.”