Builders behind Leeds Quarry Hill SOYO site team up with St George's Crypt to help homeless in Leeds

Caddick Construction, currently working on the £300million SOYO neighbourhood scheme in the city’s cultural quarter, donated 19 Lenovo tablets to the centre.

It is part of the charity's The Growing Room rehabilitation programme which helps vulnerable people learn new IT skills.

The donated tablets will help St George’s clients learn crucial online skills, apply for jobs and become more independent over time.

It will also ensure that every participant on The Growing Room programme can have access to a laptop or tablet.

The tech donation came on the back of the Caddick team hearing about former Leeds Rhino’s legend Jamie Peacock giving a well-being talk (Be A Champion) to the programme participants who are currently trying to turn their lives around.

Jamie, who has been a supporter of the Crypt for many years said at the time: “I think a lot of people during the last 12 months have gone out of their way to help those who are less fortunate than themselves. I feel society works better as a team when we all help each other when we can.”

Debbie Watson, Caddick Construction Social Value Manager, said: “St George’s Crypt helps some of the most vulnerable in our community with meals, emergency accommodation and daily support, but introducing them to a new online world with all the opportunities that can bring is difficult without the technology to back it up.

"When we heard about Jamie’s talk we were delighted to be able to step in and help bridge that digital gap for their clients with the Lenovo tablets.

She added: “We also connected St George's Crypt with Leeds City Council's 100% Digital Leeds team which is working to close the gap of digital access and skills in the city.

"100% Digital Leeds will work with clients at The Growing Room to give digital training so they can make full use of the new devices.”

Martin Patterson, Head of New Builds and Projects at St George's Crypt, said: "We at the Crypt are delighted to be teaming up with Caddick to receive the donation of tablets which will be of such immense value in helping to boost the digital skills of our Growing Rooms lads, as they work through their programme of total abstinence and recovery from addiction.

“It means a lot to our lads that Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock has delivered his "Be A Champion" Health and well-being programme and that Caddick has so generously added value to this through the donation of Lenovo tablets."