Free computers to help vulnerable people stay connected

Free computers will be given to hundreds of vulnerable people to help them stay connected during the coronavirus crisis.

Charities and community groups in Glasgow have received funding from the city council and Scottish Government to refurbish unwanted IT kit for 500 people.

The equipment will go to refugees, low-income households and students who are unable to study due to a lack of a computer.

Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, and Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken will launch the project on Friday.

The Remade Network, a coalition of groups behind the digital inclusion scheme, will also open a pop-up “repair stop” at Govanhill Baths.

This will offer affordable repairs for textiles, IT and small electrical items.

Harvie said: “Repairing and reusing have always been activities which bring people together, as well as showing how a sustainable economy can also be a productive one.

“That’s why I’m pleased to see this new initiative start up in Glasgow, seizing on the desire with our communities to build back better as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Somali Association in Glasgow, which organises sports and activities for the local Somali community, will be one of the first groups to receive a computer.

Association chairman Mohamed Amber said: “These computers will help us teach digital skills to adults, parents and carers who are much less digitally engaged than the younger generation.

“Learning how to access the internet, make video calls, search for jobs and communicate with their families that are often living in a distant country will help bridge gaps and bring families closer together.”