Transport for Greater Manchester is supporting young people at risk of facing digital exclusion by donating more than a dozen top-of-the-range computers to a school in Oldham.
Members of TfGM’s Information Services (IS) team visited New Bridge College this week to deliver 10 HP laptops and three Apple iMac desktop PCs donated through the Greater Manchester Technology Fund (GM Tech Fund).
TfGM staff also helped raise £4,070 for the organisation’s corporate charities, The Christie and Emmeline’s Pantry by buying spare pieces of equipment.
The GM Tech Fund was established by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, during the first Covid-19 lockdown to support young learners unable to continue with their education and to provide them with the technology and connectivity they needed to stay connected to their teachers and peers to continue their learning at home.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “We know that a lack of digital access and skills can have huge negative impact on a person’s life, leading to increased loneliness and social isolation, less access to jobs and education.
“That’s why I’ve launched the latest phase of the GM Tech Fund and am urging our businesses, just like TfGM, to support the GM Tech Fund in whatever way they can and help combat the impact of this cost-of-living crisis and ensure no-one in Greater Manchester is left behind.”
Since it launched in 2020 the GM Tech Fund has helped 3,527 people across 132 schools and colleges, thanks to donations from TfGM and other local organisations, individuals, and the business community in Greater Manchester.
Now in its third phase, the GM Tech Fund is currently focused on supporting students from PRU (Pupil Referral Unit) and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) schools, such as New Bridge College, who face additional accessibility barriers.
Ricard Fuertes, Head of IS Operations at TfGM, said: “We are delighted that we’ve found a new home for these computers at New Bridge College, and we hope that it will help students stay connected as they continue their education.
“By donating this equipment, TfGM is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to delivering social value and supporting our communities across the region.
“I also want to thank our staff at TfGM for helping to raise thousands of pounds in aid of our corporate charities.”
The fund supports young people in these school settings who are facing, or at risk of digital exclusion, as well as access to broader opportunities such as mentorship or job inspiration days.
Scott McKeown, Headteacher at New Bridge College, said: “On behalf of New Bridge College family, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your generous and well-received ‘early Christmas gift’.
“The donation of the Apple and laptop devices will be greatly used to enhance the work carried out by our students within our Internship and Employability pathways. Again, thank you. I hope you have a wonderful festive winter break’
The GM Tech Fund is another way that businesses can contribute to the Greater Manchester effort to address digital and social exclusion and target support directly where it is needed, ensuring local students from SEND and PRU schools have equal access to learning and opportunity as their peers, regardless of background or situation. For more information about the GM Tech Fund, visit https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/digital/get-online-greater-manchester/greater-manchester-wide-support/the-greater-manchester-technology-fund
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