A Wandsworth charity has been awarded £12,500 to help local families access computers and develop online skills. The grant, provided by London Freemasons, will enable Power to Connect to broaden its efforts against digital poverty in the borough.
Grant Funding and Expansion
The funding will be used to purchase additional refurbished devices and offer free training sessions, assisting children and parents in gaining confidence online. Power to Connect runs regular drop-in sessions and courses at local libraries, family hubs, and community centres.
Established in 2020 to support families with homeschooling during the pandemic, the charity collects, repairs, and redistributes second-hand technology. To date, the team has refurbished more than 3,500 devices and worked with over 130 local partner organisations.
Impact on the Community
Megan Barrett, chief executive officer of Power to Connect, said: “At Power to Connect, we believe access to digital technology is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Connectivity is essential for education, employment, accessing vital services, and improving quality of life. We are incredibly grateful to London Freemasons for their generous support. Their contribution enables us to provide more families with devices and the skills to use them, helping to combat digital poverty and ensure no one is left behind in today’s increasingly online world.”
Paul King, from London Freemasons, added: “In a world where access to data and digital services is typically taken for granted, the work that Power to Connect are doing to bring those services and tools to those within our communities that do not have access is vital. We know that the grant provided by London Freemasons will further support the charity to make a difference.”
How to Get Involved
For more information on the services available or to get involved, individuals can visit the Power to Connect website or follow the charity on social media.
