In 2020 we discovered that there were a large number of children in the borough without digital access. Recent estimates have put that number at 7,000. ome children have had little to zero learning for nearly a year and many have faced total isolation since March 2020. We are expanding this project to include refurbishing preloved equipment and distributing to schools. The grant will be used for the following: advertising for donations of devices on facebook, we will aim to promote one advert per week for 5 weeks. We will be undertaking all advertising ourselves and will carry out DBS checks for volunteers refurbishing the devices. After refurbishment devices will be delivered to pre delivery storage at Safe Storage facility in Barking.

What we'll deliver:

• Refurbish and deliver 20 devices to schools in Redbridge

Why it's a great idea:

Regeneration happens when people and places are subject to targeted investment. The digital divide reduction we are aiming for will help to ensure our residents and families flourish. Almost all opportunities are online in 2021. Organised learning, leisure, employment opportunities and recreation are benefits which are currently closed to those without internet access. An educated, connected and socially engaged populace will help regeneration of the borough in the present and future. By reducing the number of children who are isolated and without access to education we hope to help as many children as possible reach their full potential. We hope that by giving rather than loaning equipment we will be able to extend the opportunity to access education, employment and training to those who would not be engaged otherwise.

Steps to get it done:

• Refurbish preloved equipment
• Deliver refurbished equipment to local schools

We will be working with four volunteers with a total of 15 hours per week each. * This project is part of the Community Crowdfunding programme and was funded by Redbridge council through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL). As part of this programme, projects under £500 in value can apply directly for a micro grant where if successful, there is no requirement to crowdfund, as the council can fully fund the project. For projects over £500 in value, organisations will need to actively run a crowdfunding campaign to be eligible. For more information visit spacehive.com/movement/redbridge/about