Around 100 vulnerable adults from across Suffolk including at centres in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill are to gain free educational support thanks to a councils donation of old laptops.
Cllr Robert Everitt, St Edmundsbury’s Cabinet Member for Families and Communities has handed over seven used laptops to Phoenix Rising Community Interest Company.
Phoenix Rising is an independent educational provider that works with vulnerable adults and marginalised groups across Suffolk, including at the Info Bar and Bury Hub in Bury St Edmunds, as well as the Haverhill Community Hub.
Cllr Everitt said: “These were seven laptops which we had had for a number of years and which were no longer compatible with our modern systems. I was aware of the great work being carried out by Phoenix Rising CIC both in Bury and Haverhill and so suggested that these redundant machines could be wiped of data and then put to a new and very worthwhile use. I am only too pleased to help.”
Ria Towill, who together with Adrian Figg is a director of Phoenix Rising CIC said: “The support that Cllr Everitt has given us and the students has been invaluable. He has already taken part in initiatives to encourage vulnerable people to vote, educational visits, fun days and has awarded certificates to celebrate our students’ achievements.
“When we had a conversation with Robert, on how we would like to enable students to improve their digital literacy in all our courses, he offered to support us through the council donating its old laptops. This will improve not only digital literacy but also empower our students to maintain their safety around social media.
“Phoenix Rising has just been awarded its Gold Standard in education by Realise Futures and having these laptops will enable us to increase our engagement for all students in class.”
