'This will give their children as much opportunity as others' - Leeds charity workers tells of families' relief over donated laptops

Naomi Roxby Wardle is youth and families manager at LS14 Trust and director of Fall Into Place - two organisations which have been involved in the distribution of technical equipment to families in Seacroft.

The charities work closely with families about any barriers they’re facing and Naomi said “tech has been a big one”.

She said: “They were saying that either they couldn’t get online at all or they could only get online through a mobile phone and that’s not suitable for online learning.

“We also had families who were borrowing their neighbour’s wifi because they didn’t have access to wifi.

“They wanted to be able to access online learning for their families but because of barriers that aren’t their fault, there was a sense of frustration and guilt - even though it wasn’t their fault. Of not being able to get what their children need.”

So far the Seacroft organisations have distributed five laptops, donated by Tech Angels and Digital Access West Yorkshire - with another 20 due to be handed out soon.

She said families have been overjoyed at receiving the devices.

“There was a sense of relief. Also there was a feeling of being on an even playing field a bit. That this will give their children as much opportunity as other children.

“I think that’s the big problem at the moment - this digital divide. We already have a massive divide in this country and this is just increasing it. The children who have less opportunities are getting even less opportunities. And the parents are taking it hard - they want to provide for their children and constantly feel like they are on the back foot.

“By being able to provide something as necessary as a laptop and computer, it makes people feel like they are giving every opportunity they can to their children.”

For more information on LS14 Trust visit www.ls14trust.org or on Fall into Place visit https://fallintoplace.co.uk.

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