Mid Sussex voluntary group helping children and families access laptops for homeschooling

The charity is supporting a new initiative called Computers For Kids UK (C4KUK), started by Haywards Heath writer, Colin Hill.

It comprises a small team collecting and refurbishing laptops and devices to give to children who would not otherwise have access or would have to share a device with siblings.

A spokesman for MSVA said: “It is vitally important to help children without access to remote learning stay up to date with their education to save them falling behind at school.

“Some families are having to share devices between siblings, working up to 16 hours a day to get their work completed.

“This is however not possible long-term and C4KUK’s aim is to get as many families connected to online learning as quickly as possible.”

The project is being supported through its initial stages by MSVA, an independent charity providing support services to local voluntary organisations.

Lauren Lloyd, chief executive officer, said: “I became aware of Colin’s remarkable endeavours when I saw posts on social media. I offered MSVA’s support and we’re delighted to have been able to help.

“We supported Computers for Kids UK to become constituted, offered advice on setting up a bank account and ensured they have effective governance in place, such as trustees and safeguarding policies.

“The team at Computers for Kids UK is making a huge difference to the lives of so many children and families in Sussex and MSVA looks forward to working with them, alongside our other 400 charity and voluntary group members in 2021 and beyond.”

Colin added: “We must remember that children are our communities’ future and there are so many who need our help right now. We’d like to encourage the community to help and step in to fill this gap.”