Ealing Council are working on a program to give almost 1000 laptops to disadvantaged residents in the borough to help close the digital divide. 

The Re-Klaim IT Ealing scheme takes laptops donated to the council, refurbishes them, and distributes them to residents who require them, as referred by various support services, including Ealing Foodbank. 

The project has already given out around 100 laptops to people through Ealing & Hounslow Voluntary Community Services and they expect to give out around 900 more by the end of 2023. 

Councillor Steve Donnelly, the council's cabinet member for an inclusive economy, said: "Tackling social isolation and bridging the digital divide are both priorities for the council. We want to help some our most marginalised residents to get online, learn new skills and explore fresh opportunities." 

People who receive the laptops will be given 30-60 minutes of training to help them learn how to use it and how to do other things they might need, like creating an email account or how to do online NHS prescription renewals. 

They will also be able to take advantage of free Wi-Fi at libraries across the borough and have 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ups to see how they are faring with the laptop. 

Irfan Arif from Ealing & Hounslow Voluntary Community Services said: "It's amazing what a difference it makes to people's lives, seeing them grow in confidence online 

"They might join an online book group, learn new skills or start using Amazon. To see the bright look that comes over their faces when they see the potential of being online is really satisfying.  

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"It also does wonders for people's mental health and makes a big dent in feelings of social isolation."