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IFB Gaming Reflects on 2023 and Unveils Goals for 2024

We are delighted to address you today with a profound sense of pride and gratitude as IFB Gaming reflects on the remarkable achievements of the past year. Together, we have not only marked significant milestones but have also laid the foundation for an exciting future in the realms of gaming, business, inclusion and community development.

Get Online Week 2023 was a resounding success, and we also want to express our deepest appreciation to our founder, John Adewole, for his visionary leadership. The initiative’s impact in Empowering Futures, mitigating health inequalities and fostering digital inclusivity has been truly inspiring. We have bridged gaps, connected communities, and paved the way for a more inclusive data collection and analysis digital landscape in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth.

In addition to the success of Get Online Week (2023), we are thrilled to announce that IFB Gaming has been shortlisted for a Southwark Business Excellence Award which takes place at Southwark College on the 15th of February 2024. This recognition underscores our commitment to business and innovation, research and education, and making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. The shortlist is a testament to the passion, dedication and hard work of every employee at IFB Gaming.

Looking ahead to 2024, our goals remain bold and ambitious. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation within human-focused technological or digital solutions and sustainable community development and integration.

We will continue to invest in research and development, connecting Higher Education, The Third Sector, Technology and Telecommunications industries, Lawmakers and relevant organisations to timely, practical and usable data and insights and hard-to-reach communities. Ultimately ensuring that IFB Gaming remains at the forefront during technology adoption maturity and beyond.

IFB Gaming shortlisted for Business excellence award in Southwark

2023 Key Achievements

NHS Digital: Achievements with NHS Digital during the lockdown have seen our current contract extended to early 2025. We continue to work with NHS Digital’s User Experience and User Research teams to ensure that healthcare solutions are accessible, usable, and relatable to everyone in England.

NHS England: Following the anticipated merger of NHS digital merger with NHS England in January of 2023, IFB Gaming has actively explored new ways of accessing hard-to-reach groups and communities and working with the NHS on inclusive healthcare solutions.

Inspiring Minds! Empowering Futures!!: The maiden outreach empowering futures was a resounding success which involved players from our 7 pillars of Digital Exclusion: Citizenship, Living, Commerce, Education, Healthcare, Governance, Safety and Security.

Community as Service (CAS): 2023 was a brilliant start to our maiden outreach CaS initiative. Community as Service (CaS) saw new knowledge and operations partnership acquisitions with charities and community organisations in London.

Southwark Business Excellence Award: As a games-based research and learning organisation, it is truly a delight as well as an honour to be noticed and shortlisted by Elephant and Castle Town Centre and the London Borough of Southwark for this prestigious award. Especially in the Contribution to Community category. We look forward to continuing our work in London communities in 2024 and beyond.

Gaming as a Sustainable Community Development Tool: Once again, IFB Gaming has practically manifested the efficacy and vitality of the gaming paradigm as a practical construct and social penetrator and accommodator for insecurely attached individuals and communities.

With 40% of all profits now going into CAS, community engagement will remain a cornerstone of our mission. We aspire to expand our initiatives, not only to promote digital inclusivity but also to empower charities, Higher Education, Lawmakers, the Third Sector, businesses and lawmakers.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that with your continued support and partnership, IFB Gaming will reach new heights of success. Together, we will shape the future of English research and communities, inspire creativity, and contribute to a connected and inclusive nation and world.

Thank you for being an integral part of IFB Gaming. Here’s to a year of innovation, growth, and shared success!

Contact IFB
Digital Inclusion , Video games

Why we are out-standing in Gaming

In a world where gaming is often seen as just entertainment or e-sports, IFB Gaming is breaking boundaries and redefining what gaming can achieve.

At its core, IFB Gaming isn’t just another gaming organisation—it’s a movement for social good, digital inclusion, and sustainability. Here’s why IFB Gaming is different and why its mission matters now more than ever.

1. Gaming as a Tool for Empowerment

While most gaming organisations focus on profit or competitive play, IFB Gaming uses gaming as a catalyst for social change. From equipping underserved communities with digital skills to empowering individuals to bridge the digital divide, IFB Gaming proves that gaming has the power to transform lives.

Through initiatives like Empowering Futures, IFB Gaming has distributed free SIM cards, delivered winter care packages, and provided critical support for individuals with limited access to technology. Gaming isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about inclusion and connection.

2. Addressing the Digital Divide

Unlike traditional gaming companies, IFB Gaming prioritises accessibility and digital inclusion. Its mission is rooted in ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can thrive in a digital-first world.

From refugees to those with no recourse to public support, IFB Gaming extends a hand to those often left behind. By offering workshops, tools, and gaming platforms, the organisation bridges the gap for communities at the margins of the digital revolution.

3. A Sustainable Approach to Gaming

IFB Gaming leads the charge in green gaming. By advocating for sustainable tech use, energy efficiency, and recycling e-waste, it aligns its practices with global sustainability goals. In an era of climate urgency, IFB Gaming’s commitment to sustainability gives it a competitive edge and positions gaming as a force for environmental good.

4. Health and Accessibility Through Collaboration

Collaborating with NHS Digital, IFB Gaming is driving change in healthcare. By testing the usability of the NHS app and website, IFB Gaming ensures that these platforms are accessible, relatable, and effective for diverse communities. Its work in diversifying datasets and understanding barriers to healthcare access is shaping a more inclusive NHS for England.

5. Advocacy for Policy Change

IFB Gaming isn’t just about creating impactful programmes—it’s about influencing systems. The organisation actively works with policymakers, using research and real-world stories to advocate for policies that close the digital divide, promote education, and address inequalities.

6. Innovation with Measurable Impact

Unlike many competitors, IFB Gaming focuses on community-driven innovation. Its multiplayer online social formation framework fosters connection, inclusion, and transformation in both gaming and real-life contexts. The organisation also measures its impact, ensuring that its initiatives deliver tangible results in digital literacy, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability.

IFB Gaming stands apart by putting social good, sustainability, and inclusivity at the heart of gaming. It’s not just a gaming organisation—we are leading the way in using technology to create a better, more equitable world.

Digital Inclusion

Exploring Data Poverty and Its Impact

Data poverty refers to the lack of access to (adequate) data and digital literacy skills needed to fully participate in the digital world. It encompasses various dimensions of inequality and exclusion related to access to and use of digital technologies.

People experiencing data poverty may face barriers to accessing essential online services, educational resources, job opportunities, healthcare information, and social connections. Data poverty can exacerbate existing inequalities and limit individuals’ ability to fully benefit from digital technologies for personal, social, and economic development.

Data Poverty is a Facet of Digital Inclusion

Hannah Whelan (Good Things Foundation)

Data Poverty is often closely linked to broader issues of digital inclusion and the digital divide, highlighting the need for efforts to address disparities in access to digital resources and opportunities.

The impact of data poverty is profound and multifaceted, affecting individuals, communities, and societies in various ways:

  1. Limited Access to Information and Opportunities: Data poverty restricts access to vital information, resources, and opportunities available online. Individuals experiencing data poverty may struggle to access educational materials, job listings, healthcare services, and government resources, limiting their ability to make informed decisions and participate fully in economic, social, and civic life.
  2. Economic Disadvantage: Data poverty perpetuates economic disparities by hindering access to online job opportunities, e-commerce platforms, and digital financial services. Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals may face barriers to entrepreneurship, remote work, and financial inclusion, further widening the gap between the digitally empowered and the digitally excluded.
  3. Educational Inequality: Data poverty exacerbates educational inequalities by limiting access to online learning resources, virtual classrooms, and educational platforms. Students without reliable internet connectivity or digital devices may struggle to complete homework assignments, access course materials, or participate in distance learning programs, perpetuating the cycle of educational disadvantage.
  4. Healthcare Disparities: In the digital age, access to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and digital health tools is crucial for promoting health and well-being. Data poverty can exacerbate healthcare disparities by limiting access to online health resources, telehealth consultations, and digital health monitoring devices, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
  5. Social Isolation and Exclusion: Data poverty can contribute to social isolation and exclusion by limiting access to social networking platforms, virtual communities, and online communication tools. Individuals without internet connectivity or digital literacy skills may struggle to stay connected with family and friends, participate in social activities, or access support networks, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  6. Digital Rights and Citizenship: Data poverty undermines digital rights and citizenship by limiting individuals’ ability to exercise their rights online, such as freedom of expression, access to information, and privacy protection. Without access to digital tools and resources, individuals may be disenfranchised from participating in digital democracy, engaging in online activism, or advocating for their rights in digital spaces.

Tackling data poverty is important for several reasons:

  1. Promoting Digital Inclusion: Access to digital connectivity, devices, literacy and skills are essential for full participation in the digital economy and society. By addressing data poverty, you can promote digital inclusion and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to access and benefit from digital technologies.
  2. Reducing Inequality: Data poverty disproportionately affects marginalised and disadvantaged groups, exacerbating existing inequalities. By closing the gap in access to digital resources, we can reduce socio-economic disparities and promote greater equity in access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
  3. Fostering Economic Development: Access to digital technologies is increasingly important for economic participation and growth. By empowering individuals and communities with digital skills and resources, we can unlock new economic opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive economic development.
  4. Improving Education and Lifelong Learning: Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionise education and lifelong learning by providing access to online resources, courses, and educational tools. Tackling data poverty ensures that learners of all ages have access to quality educational resources and opportunities for skill development.
  5. Enhancing Healthcare Access and Well-being: Digital technologies can improve access to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and health monitoring tools, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By addressing data poverty, you can enhance healthcare access and promote better health outcomes for individuals and communities.
  6. Facilitating Social Connections and Community Engagement: Digital connectivity enables individuals to connect with others, participate in social networks, and engage in community activities. By tackling data poverty, you can strengthen social connections, foster community engagement, and reduce social isolation, particularly among seniors and vulnerable and marginalised populations.
  7. Empowering Individuals and Communities: Access to digital technologies empowers individuals and communities to access information, express themselves, advocate for their rights, and participate in decision-making processes. By addressing data poverty, you can empower people to exercise their digital rights and participate more fully in democratic processes.

The impact of data poverty is far-reaching and intersects with various dimensions of inequality and exclusion. Addressing data poverty requires comprehensive strategies aimed at improving digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring equitable access to digital resources and opportunities for all individuals and communities.

By tackling data poverty, we can build a more inclusive and equitable digital society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Tackling data poverty is essential for building inclusive and equitable societies, promoting economic development, and harnessing the transformative potential of digital technologies for the benefit of all.

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