Free computers for local children

FREE Computers for local children in need in Blackburn with Darwen

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our lives, we are pleased to announce that our digital poverty project with the Raspberry Pi Foundation is continuing. This means we will continue to provide families with access to technology so that whether at school or at home, children are ready to learn and catch up. The computers can be for education and leisure.

Now more than ever, children face serious long term consequences to their education and life chances. Self isolating from schools have created a home learning disadvantage gap. Without access to technology and the internet, disadvantaged pupils risk falling even further behind their peers. But with the support of Youth Action and partners, we can ensure that no child is isolated from online learning – so that all pupils have the opportunity to achieve their best potential.

Our pilot project began during lockdown. Supported by The Bloomfield Trust and the Raspberry Pi Foundation we provided personal computers to over 1,200  Youth Action families. Meanwhile, our Digital Engagement team provided technical support to ensure families could assemble the equipment and start accessing their education.

We are huge advocates of collaborative working and making things possible – that’s how we delivered over 1,600 online learning kits to families we support. As our work becomes ever-more relevant for the people we support, we know the impact of self-isolating on children is only just beginning to show. But Youth Action will be here, supporting children and families every step of the way.

We are proud to announce the next phase in our programme, working with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to provide free Raspberry Pi Computers to local families in need. The whole kit is theirs to keep for free.

Raspberry Pi desktop kit includes a Raspberry Pi computer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, screen, SD card, case, power cable, 1x HDMI cable, and the beginner’s guide book.

We are targeting those families with Blackburn and Darwen who have limited or no access to a computer.

During this phase, we are only considering requests from:

      • Children aged 6 to 13
      • For those who do not have any digital devices at home
      • On low income or Free School Meals
      • Living in Blackburn or Darwen

Each household must have an internet connection (we do not provide this).

If you have previously been provided a free computer under round 1, 2 or 3, please do not apply again.

Demand is expected to be very high, so we will allocate based on need.

Please complete this form to submit a request: computer request form

Closing date for requests is Sunday 13 February 2022.