Charity gives free computers to local children in need

Admin1




Good quality education is a right for all children, regardless of economic circumstances. 51% of low income families or those on benefits have no access to the internet or digital devices, research by the Office for National Statistics has shown.

The impact of coronavirus on education, learning and wellbeing on children and families has been significant. Children living in poverty are already significantly disadvantaged compared to their wealthier peers. Of those who have been eligible for free school meals, or who have been in care or adopted from care, only 25% achieved grades 9-5 in GCSE English and Maths in 2019, compared with 50% of all other pupils.

Local charity, Youth Action, in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation are providing 300 free computers to local children in need across Lancashire. The free desktop computers consist of a Raspberry Pi computer, 21.5” monitor as well as all the required software.

Chief Executive of Youth Action, Amar Abbas said “we have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic to provide the support to families in need from the basic life essentials to a helpline to support children and parents with their wellbeing. We are proud of our partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation, to bring brand new computers to those in most need.”

The initiative, Family Connect, is being led by local charity Youth Action based at Unity House on Preston New Road. Youth Action, an award-winning charity, has been supporting children and families for over 19 years and supports children and families to provide a range of support services.

Olympia Brown, Head of Youth Partnerships at the Raspberry Pi Foundation said “We are delighted to provide computers to the young people that Youth Action works with, thanks to the generosity of our funder, the Bloomfield Trust. We hope that the families find the computers useful to stay connected to school and to loved ones during this difficult time.”

Further information about this initiative please email Youth Action on hello@youthaction.org.uk or call them on 01254 695847.