Free laptops given to community groups by MCC Libraries Digital Inclusion Team

Our team were recently kindly gifted over 300 Lenovo laptops by XMA. XMA are a technology solutions provider dedicated to advancing digital transformation for businesses and public sector organisations. These laptops as part of a social value contract and is aimed to provide impact initiatives to Manchester’s digital excluded residents, providing a new lease of life to these laptops to be used to support Manchester’s communities.

XMA’s Head of Circular Economy, Luke Bennison comments:

“It has been a pleasure for XMA to support such a powerful initiative within the local community of Greater Manchester. It has been inspiring for us all to see the first roll out of devices carried out by the Let’s Get Digital Team and look forward to the forthcoming deliveries in the months to come!”

Our team is distributing laptops through community organisations to enhance their digital inclusion efforts. These organisations can use the laptops to support initiatives like digital skills sessions or providing them to residents. The team has begun the initial rollout of laptops, delivering the first batch to various community organisations just a few weeks ago.

Here are some photos with members of the team, Chris and Data, showing how the handover went:

Here’s a look at some organisations we’ve supplied with laptops to during this first cycle and how they’re intending on using them:

• Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian School will benefit from enhanced facilities and engaging learning experiences.
• The Booth Centre will assist more individuals struggling with unemployment in acquiring digital skills.
• Mindful Mums – a peer support group, will have the opportunity to explore online resources to support themselves and their families.
• The Community Bike Library at No. 93, will discover new cycling routes and use navigation device.
• Communities 4 All will provide laptop loans to enable more people to access the internet.
• Manchester Care Leavers will gain access to the vast array of opportunities that a digital device provides.
• The Over 50’s group at the Guidance Hub  will receive support to help people search and apply for jobs, benefits, and book appointments online.
• Manchester Carers Centre will initiate a pioneering pilot program offering learning opportunities for digitally excluded young careers.
• Rainbow Surprise will now offer digital skills support in their new hub.
• Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project staff and service users will have access to additional training and educational opportunities.

As we continue to review applications, we’re eagerly anticipating the on-going delivery of additional laptops to community organisations!

“It’s been fantastic to be involved in such a forward-thinking programme. Manchester is leading the way when it comes to digital inclusion, and we look forward to being involved in further proactive initiatives like this.”

Darren Howe, ESG Director at XMA