IT support for struggling Burnley children

The council worked with Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Services (BPRCVS) and 20 schools across the borough to provide much-needed IT support to struggling families.

In all around 600 children in the borough will benefit from the scheme.

Coun. Afrasiab Anwar, the council’s executive member for community and environmental services, said: “With many children unable to attend school during the national lockdown it’s vital for their future that they have the means to continue their education online at home.

“Unfortunately some families don’t have the computers, laptops or notepads to be able to do that. This scheme will enable those children to continue to learn and prevent them from being left behind by their classmates who already have the IT equipment they need at home.

“This is another example of organisations and people working together to help those who are struggling for one reason or another get through this pandemic. If anything good has come from the Covid crisis, it’s the fact that we are all working together in partnership to support others through these hard times.”

Christine Blythe, Chief Officer BPRCVS, said: “We are proud to have worked tirelessly to help residents of Burnley during this pandemic which is affecting so many people in so many different ways.

“Working with Burnley Council on identifying and supplying so many young people with the essential equipment they need to continue their learning is another proud moment for our team and our collaborative partnership. This equipment is vital for supporting the future of local children.”