Preventing Isolation of young people by providing tech to help them connect

Lockdown hit and young people were at risk of increased isolation, existing disadvantages were amplified and educational gaps were growing.

Young people who couldn’t get online were becoming more isolated and were disproportionately disadvantaged by the situation. All support services were moving online, but those that needed services the most, were unable to access them.

Stacey, her mum and 4 siblings had to shield from the beginning of lockdown due to her mum’s health problems. Stacey was already struggling at school, was being bullied, had stopped engaging with other support services and she couldn’t access support online. All the children had to share mum’s phone to access any school work and support services. Stacey was at risk of getting excluded and had dropped behind in her work. She was losing interest, motivation and becoming increasingly isolated.

We started a campaign to raise funds to buy tech to get young people online and connected. We raised over £15k, with individual donations and grants from DCC, Persimmon Homes, Tesco Bags for Help and our corporate partner Andrew Neligan finance. We worked with partners across Devon to identify the young people in greatest need of help with getting online. Overall, we provided tech equipment to over 90 young people.

Stacey was overjoyed with the new Chromebook that Space supplied   

“It's taking the pressure off my mum because she couldn’t afford to get me one and we will be forever grateful for helping us when we needed it the most. Thank you so much.”

The Family Intervention worker said: “Stacey is now able to access the internet to get back on track with her school work and to look for apprenticeships and jobs. This has made a really big impact and improved Stacey’s outlook for her future - she’s determined to make the most of it now. It’s given her a real confidence boost. So thank you very much.”

Stacey’s mum said: “Oh my goodness I don’t know what to say, thank you so much, this is making such a difference to her schooling and general wellbeing. Having the laptop means Stacey is less stressed, and she can do her school work in a calmer manner, which means she achieves more. Her siblings are also able to use it and this has led to a much calmer household - thank you so very much for the help, you have no idea how much I appreciate it.”