27 - Wifi access and laptop for young carers - November 2020


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. And the nominations we have received recently have shone a light on this issue as well.

At the start of lockdown, one third of the young people that Sheffield Young Carers 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.
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 are providing laptops for two more young carers. Their lives are very different to most of our children’s and we in awe of the support they give their families and are happy to be able to help.
Ruth is 11 and cares for her younger brother who has autism. Ruth is very caring towards her younger brother and will do everything she can to make sure he is ok and to help him to feel calm and safe. Looking after her brother and accommodating his needs is a huge task for the whole family and has a significant emotional impact on Ruth. They cannot always do all of the things that they would like to do as a family or that Ruth sees her friends being able to do.
Ruth does not have access to a computer at home which means that she is unable to complete school work or homework electronically, and she can’t utilise online resources and services or use a computer to help her relax, have fun and keep in touch with her friends.
Many services are now all online now and not having a computer means that Ruth cannot access the full support from the young carers service and many others. During lockdown, it was very difficult for Ruth to keep on top of her school work and, if the schools do close again or if Ruth has to self-isolate, not having a laptop will again hinder her educational opportunities.
Ruth was so happy to find out that she is getting a laptop- she is really excited about being able to keep all of her work in one place and looking forward to being able to do school work and homework at home.
We are buying a laptop for a second young carer (whose details we cannot share) to help with school work, keep up with friends and have some down time away from their caring responsibilities.

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