September saw our Collaborative Working Groups (CWG) across the country launching initiatives to promote Digital and/or Social Inclusion. The groups aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has equal access to technology and its benefits.
From providing laptops to individuals at risk of homelessness to supporting digital CV workshops, the CWGs have demonstrated their dedication to empowering their local communities.
It’s well known that the construction industry provides a lot of social value through the employment opportunities of their projects, however, the efforts this month highlight how the construction industry can have a different impact, by donating devices for the betterment of individuals and fostering an inclusive and responsible approach to business that truly uplifts the communities they serve.
Jack Neath, Social Value Advisor, had this to say about September’s, ‘Digital and Social Inclusion’ efforts:
“It’s fantastic to see how our Collaborative Working Groups are making a real difference in their communities. By partnering with organisations like Wirral Ark and Every Child Online, they’re providing essential support to those experiencing homelessness and digital poverty. The donations of laptops and IT equipment, along with the digital literacy workshops, will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of many individuals.”
North West
September 2024
Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd | CR Reynolds | Morris & Spottiswood | GRAHAM Construction | wirralark.org.uk
After careful consideration our North West CWG, consisting of Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd, CR Reynolds, Morris & Spottiswood and GRAHAM Construction, decided to target the Wirral, Birkenhead area, for their digital and social inclusion initiatives. According to the Wirral’s Economy Regeneration & Housing Committee, there are currently around 900 open homelessness cases in the Wirral at any given time.
With this in mind, the group unanimously selected Wirral Ark as their partner organisation (a charity that supports individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness). Following discussions with Mike Westcott, Wirral Ark Co-ordinator, the CWG determined how to make the most significant impact on the organisation and its service to homelessness in the community.
The group members collectively purchased Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Chromebooks, providing four laptops to Wirral Ark, totalling £1,756. These laptops will empower residents to access online resources, information and opportunities related to employability, housing options, and health and wellbeing services, with additional support from Wirral Ark advisors.
“We received all of your generous donations of laptops, these will make a massive difference for our residents and their ability to get online, improve their skills and continue their journey out of homelessness. We really appreciate all the effort and support you have shown to Wirral Ark.”
Mike Westcott, Wirral Ark Co-ordinator
Social value measures achieved:
NT28 – Donations and/or in-kind contributions to specific local community projects (£s/Materials)
- Total Staff Hours – 23 Hours
- Total £s Value Donated – £1,756
Midlands
September 2024
Hutton Group | Winvic Construction Limited | Bowmer + Kirkland Limited | Integral UK | everychildonline.co.uk
Our Midlands CWG, consisting of Hutton Group, Winvic Construction Limited, Bowmer + Kirkland Limited, and Integral UK, partnered with Every Child Online, a charity dedicated to tackling digital poverty.
Every Child Online asks UK companies, IT managers and individuals to consider donating old surplus PCs and laptops to help improve the online and digital education of children and young people, contributing to closing the digital divide in the UK.
After discussing and coordinating their internal IT departments that’s exactly what our Midlands group decided to do just in time for the new academic year. The group donated over 20 laptops, 10 desktops, 11 monitors, printers, network gear, and a large amount of cables to the charity. Every Child Online will then refurbish and donate to schools, educational clubs, and other organisations supporting underprivileged children and young adults.
In addition to donating PC equipment, the group also took the initiative to support workshops on digital CV writing. Winvic Construction and Bowmer + Kirkland researched community hubs and charities where they could offer these workshops, leveraging the resources from the Good Things Foundation. The workshops have been booked in for later in the year with Witton Lodge Community Centre.
“A huge thank-you to the Procure Partnership Framework collective group for all the IT equipment donations. We look forward to keeping in touch for any future donations and the support of spreading the word of Every Child Online mission to support digital inclusion. For 2025, we are aiming to provide cybersecurity awareness to the children and young adults before we hand them a device. When children are victims of cybercrime the effects on them can be devastating – we aim to show them how to set up privacy setting and make them aware of the potential dangers of being online.”
Mike Tarbard
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Every Child Online
Social value measures achieved:
Time donated – 5 people – 1 day (7 hours) per person (research/organising/complying donations/donations on the day)
IT Equipment donated:
- Over 20 laptops
- Over 10 desktops and
- 11 monitors
- Printers
- Network Gear
- Large number of cables (over 7 boxes)
