The innovative scheme bridging the digital divide for hundreds of local families

Trafford Council’s Tech4All initiative has brought vital digital resources to hundreds of local residents, making a significant impact on those who need it most.

Over the past few weeks, more than a thousand residents have flocked to pop-up events in Old Trafford, Lostock, Altrincham, and Sale to receive laptops, free data, affordable broadband, and digital skills training.

In partnership with Community Computers, the Council has distributed 265 refurbished laptops to families at a nominal fee of £60, thanks to a generous donation from local housing association L&Q.

This initiative aims to address the digital exclusion affecting approximately a quarter of households in Trafford, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to stay connected.

Trafford Council’s Tech4All

At the heart of this campaign is the commitment to digital inclusion and poverty reduction.

Trafford Council has joined forces with Virgin Media O2 to provide almost 350 free O2 SIM cards, each offering 25GB of monthly data, through the National Databank.

These efforts ensure that residents struggling with connectivity can stay online without financial burden. Additionally, experts at the events have provided valuable advice on social broadband tariffs and discounted packages for those on eligible benefits.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond just connectivity.

Empowering the Community through IT

A refreshed IT suite at St John’s Centre in Old Trafford, equipped with new technology, will support digital skills training and adult learning courses, further empowering the community.

Residents like Khesiwe Dube have already felt the benefits. Khesiwe, who was halfway through a software training course when her laptop broke, expressed her gratitude: “The laptop will allow me to finish my course and apply for jobs. It will also help my daughter with her school studies.”

Similarly, foster carer Deborah Myers shared, “This scheme is fabulous. I gave up my career to be a foster carer and will use my laptop to help me get back into work after being out of the job market for so long.”

The Tech4All initiative showcases the powerful results of collaboration between businesses and local authorities. By repurposing corporate e-waste and donating refurbished devices, the campaign has saved significant amounts of carbon and landfill waste, proving to be an environmentally friendly solution to digital exclusion.

Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council

Cllr Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, expressed his gratitude to partners L&Q, Community Computers, and Virgin Media O2: “This initiative is bridging the gap for those without suitable access to devices. We urge other businesses to join the campaign and donate devices. The need is significant, and your contributions can make a real difference.”

Alyson Heald, Partnerships Director at L&Q, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis: “Equal access to online services is more important than ever.”

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, shared her pride in the project: “By bridging the digital divide, we’re creating new opportunities for people to thrive. We encourage the community to get involved and access the support on offer.”

For those interested in giving their ex-business devices a second life and supporting disadvantaged families, contact [email protected] to learn more about contributing to this impactful campaign.

You can find out more about Trafford Tech4All by clicking here