Project to help people get online gets cash boost

A PROJECT that helps people to get online is being rolled out across Leicester thanks to a boost in funding.

Leicester Connected initiative, run by the city council – has been awarded a £44,000 grant to tackle digital poverty by Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.

Eligible residents from across the city will be referred to a scheme where they can benefit from a free loan of a laptop or a tablet, along with digital skills training and support to use their device.

Leicester Connected began as a pilot project last year and has so far loaned out 73 digital devices to people via Belgrave, Highfields and St Barnabas libraries and through the Adult Education College.

Its aim is to help people improve their digital skills, especially those who are vulnerable, unemployed and/or in temporary housing.

Now, 160 digital devices will be available for loan to people who are referred to the scheme.

Eligible residents can collect the devices from one of the city’s 16 libraries, and then return them at the end of the loan.

The scheme will also be supported by the council’s adult education service.

Loans usually last for around three months, or for the duration of an adult education course.

Equipment can also be delivered to people who are housebound.

Councillor Danny Myers, assistant city mayor for jobs and skills, said: “We know the pandemic dramatically changed how people access services and that around one third of our households in the city struggle with digital skills and access.

“This could be because people lack the confidence or skills to use technology, do not have sufficient connectivity or do not have access to suitable devices.

“It means they can miss out on opportunities to socialise, learn, shop and work online.

“As the cost of living crisis hits, it’s even more important that we help people to get online, as a way of accessing helpful services and support.

“Access to the internet is an essential skill, but we know many of our students at the Adult Education College have struggled to participate online if they don’t have a device.

“That’s why it’s great news we can now extend this scheme and support more people.”

The extra funding will mean Leicester Connected can run until March.

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