The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has launched the Tech4Young Carers scheme designed to combat digital poverty among young carers in Fenland, South Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, giving them the essential technology, internet connectivity, and digital skills training to bridge the digital divide.

The Tech4Young Carers scheme will provide digital access to 100 young carers, aged 14-25, who provide unpaid care for a family member or close friend dealing with a long-term or terminal illness, disability, mental health condition, age-related frailty, or struggles with addiction. 

The scheme launched today in Huntingdon, where two young carers received their new laptops.

These young individuals often face significant barriers to education and personal growth due to a lack of digital access, which is further complicated by their caregiving responsibilities. 

According to a Disability Rights UK, 33% of households where an adult has a disability live in poverty, and half of these households are affected by digital exclusion.

In addition to receiving devices and internet access, participants will engage in digital literacy workshops designed to help them safely navigate the online world. Over the next ten months, Nottingham Trent University will evaluate the scheme’s impact, with a young carer from the area joining the research team to offer valuable insights from their experience.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of Digital Poverty Alliance commented: “Digital exclusion remains a critical issue across the UK, particularly for young carers who face unique challenges due to their caregiving responsibilities. 

This digital gap significantly impacts young carers’ education and personal development, as many lack the devices and connectivity needed for online learning and personal growth.

The Tech4Young Carers scheme is designed to address this issue directly by providing devices, connectivity, and skills workshops tailored specifically to the needs of young carers, including how to stay safe online.”

She added: “By equipping these individuals with the tools they need, we aim to bridge the digital divide and support young carers in fully participating in their education and personal development. Our goal is to help them build a brighter future despite the barriers they face.”

Kathy Olsson, Manager of E2BN commented: “Our goal as an organisation is to improve education through technology, ensuring schools and learning environments have access to reliable internet and digital resources. However, young carers often face extra challenges, caring for their loved ones with limited access to technology and digital skills, leading to significant challenges to education.”

John Chapman, Director of E2BN commented: “By providing young carers with the devices, connectivity, and training they need, we hope to open up new opportunities for their education and growth. It’s all about giving them a fair shot at thriving despite the tough circumstances they face.”

This initiative is a critical step in addressing the intersection of caregiving and digital poverty. By empowering young carers with the tools they need to succeed, the DPA aim to create lasting change in their lives.

The scheme is supported by E2BN, an organisation that provides Schools with broadband, web-filtering, online safety and computing curriculum advice and guidance, and is partnered with Centre33, Virgin Media O2, and Nottingham Trent University.