Sue writes...
We are now well into 2023 and it is time to share more of what we have been doing at Laptops4Learning. Our work continues to expand - the more people we get to help through digital devices being refurbished and reused, the greater our positive impact is on our environment. We are delighted that our work for social good is also enabling sustainability. There is so much more to be done in the current cost-of-living crisis, both to help lift people out of digital poverty, and prevent others from becoming digitally excluded due to economic pressures. The below gives a flavour of some of the work we have being doing so far this year.
Disadvantaged Children
With the cost-of-living crisis hitting hard, more families are finding that they cannot afford devices for their children. Clean Slate, who provides support for low-income households, approached us after a referral from The Blues Foundation with whom we already work. We were more than happy to provide a laptop for a 14-year old, whose mother could not afford a device to enable him to complete his homework on time and fully participate in his education.
We continue collaborating with our partner KidsOut, who do fantastic work giving disadvantaged children positive experiences to support them becoming future members of our society. Their work is unique and very positive in focusing on fun and enjoyment for children who otherwise may have very little opportunity for it.
“Thank you www.Laptops4Learning.co.uk for donating 80 laptops to distribute to children across the UK so they can access our World Stories and more” - KidsOut
We have also been able to help St. Andrew’s Church Youth Club (Stapleford) with two tablets which they are using to enable disadvantaged children to complete homework, which they were otherwise unable to do.
“I have received the devices. Thank you very much. The young people are very excited to start using them. Thank you so much for such a generous donation. It is greatly appreciated and will make a big difference for the youth club“ – Church Youth Worker
Refugees
We continue our work with Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign (CRRC) to support refugees arriving in the Cambridgeshire area with digital devices, essential to enable them to communicate, access services and continue education. We have recently donated 35 devices, a mix of chromebooks, tablets and mobile phones. With continuing conflicts, CRRC’s work is invaluable to help refugees arriving in the county integrate and thrive.
Adult learning
We were very happy to be able to donate 21 tablets to one of our fellow members of the Cambridgeshire Digital Partnership, Cambridge Online who promote digital skills for all. They run a learning hub in Cambridge, and support people with digital inclusion.
“Massive thanks to Laptops4Learning - Cambridgeshire and Susan Gowling ~ Founder for the donation of refurbished equipment - will make a big difference to the lives of many individuals.” – Cambridge Online
Homeless
IT Takes a City works with and coordinates support for the homeless across Cambridge. It has been a joy to see how grateful some of the recipients of the tech we have donated have been for this assistance – making a difference like this makes what we do so worthwhile and rewarding! We have recently donated a further 10 tablets to support this work.
“We are extremely grateful for the support that we have received from Sue and the Laptops4Learning team as we tackle the issue of digital exclusion amongst those we accommodate and support.” – It Takes a City
New team member
We were delighted to welcome Denise Coates to the Laptops4Learning team later last year. Denise has great experience both in the tech sector, and of charity work, raising awareness of and fundraising for cancer. She is working with us developing links with charities and other delivery organisations, so you may well have heard from her or hear from her soon!
Thanks
We are so grateful to all our business partners in Cambridgeshire and elsewhere who support us with their tech – you know who you are! Without you our work to extend digital inclusion would not be possible. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with you throughout the year and getting sustainable devices out to many more people in need!
Sue Gowling - 21/02/23
