Young Carers and Digital Technology
The Carers Trust defines a young carer as being “aged 25 and under who cares for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.”
Without access to digital, young people are at an economic disadvantage. They cannot and do not realise their potential to continue with higher education and choose and build a career. They often face lower chances of accessing higher-paid jobs. In addition, young carers often face higher levels of social isolation from their peers and see a range of additional issues in engaging with their education.
According to Disability Rights UK, poverty is especially high among families with a disabled adult, at nearly 33%. While aiming the scheme at parts of the county with the highest levels of deprivation, we will work with the local authority and the Carers Trust to identify families in most need. Computers, connectivity, and skills will support learning and allow young people to use the machines for other purposes, such as training, employment, and entertainment.
Tech4YoungCarers Scheme
The Tech4YoungCarers scheme will allow young people to harness technology for educational purposes and create new social networks. It will also assist the person they care for in accessing digital services. It will equip young people to use tech and acquire digital skills. This will mean that those who previously could not afford the training and practice needed to stand out in the competitive job market will be enabled and given the chance to do so, raising the hopes of young people across the country. The scheme will take place within Cambridgeshire.
The scheme will provide:
- A high-quality refurbished computer that meets our minimum specifications.
- MiFi dongle and SIM cards pre-loaded with data for six months and signposting to social tariffs for broadband.
- Mentoring and support.
- Support from the National Digital Skills Helpline.
- A resource pack with information on services.
- Tailored, age-appropriate information from our partner, Internet Matters, on staying safe online.
E2BN is working with the Digital Poverty Alliance(DPA) Centre33, a local charity for the homeless, major telco Virgin Media O2 and Nottingham Trent University.