Thousands of SIM cards and dozens of donated laptops have been handed out to Mancunians in a bid to combat the worst effects of isolation in our communities.
Thousands of SIM cards and hundreds of donated laptops have been handed out to Mancunians in a bid to combat the worst effects of isolation in our communities.
During the cost-of-living crisis many people have had to make incredibly difficult choices, often sacrificing things many people take for granted to ensure that essentials can be paid for.
What this means is that many people no longer have access to the internet, or even a mobile phone to keep in touch with the wider world.
For years the Council’s libraries have been a place where people could access free Wi-Fi, internet services and help using them, and why more recently the Council has embarked on a programme to tackle digital exclusion and to ensure that people across the city are not left isolated or struggling to access vital services during the cost-of-living crisis.
Over the past 18 months, more than 6,000 free data SIM cards have been given away throughout our communities in libraries and other community venues. We have also built partnerships with community voluntary organisations to expand our services to even more locations.
On top of this more than 300 refurbished laptops have been made available to the Council to distribute, with 100 so far handed out and another 200 to be delivered in the coming months.
However, without the skills to use technology there is still a risk that people will be left isolated. This is why the Council has been working to put in place digital champions in community settings to provide face-to-face support, as well as telephone support for people who can’t attend in person. These champions are on hand to walk people through the skills required to get online and if needed, access the wider wrap-around services that the Council is providing during the cost-of-living crisis.
These services include our food support programme, helping to provide affordable and nutritious food for residents, access to libraries as warm welcome spaces as well as the range of benefits and credits that available for pensioners or people who receive Council Tax support.
For more information on how to access support, click here or call our helpline on 0800 023 2692.
Councillor Joanna Midgley, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said: “In an age where nearly every facet of life revolves around being online, there is a genuine risk posed to people’s wellbeing if they are not able to get online.
“This is why our work around combating digital exclusion is so important, especially during a period such as this where so many people have been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.
“Not only do we want to ensure that people can stay connected to one another, we want to ensure they can contact the Council for any support they need, whether this is to access our food support programme or our wide range of cost-of-living services that we have put in place to help our residents.”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure said: “Through this initiative we are showing the true value that our libraries have within our communities. They are vital spaces where people can come for advice, shelter or support, and I am proud that our incredible members of staff across the service are carrying out such important work during the cost-of-living crisis.”