In really good news, we have just been awarded £1000 from Sheffield-based fundraising group, 500 Together. This will allow us to purchase laptops for 3 young people and 2 internet routers with 9 months’ worth of internet for 2 families.

Even in normal times, an ability to access online services and resources is important. Covid-19 and the pandemic has made it vital and has highlighted the impact of digital poverty.

At the start of lockdown, one third of the young people that we were supporting did not have the right digital equipment to be able to do their school work from home. One family did not even have any paper and pens to write or draw with.

Early in lockdown we secured an emergency grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to provide young carers with laptops and WiFi access. We are so pleased we can build on this progress with help from 500 Together.

Young carers and young people in general have been hit hard by the pandemic and its accompanying restrictions, so being able to do school and college work and stay connected with family and friends is essential.

We continue to support young people and families with help online and by telephone, as well as with limited and Covid-secure face-to-face support.