Laptop donation to Poulton youngsters from Fleetwood group

Children at a Poulton primary school have said a huge thank you after a donation of vital IT equipment.
Head girl Sophia Cox and head boy Matthew Foley at Poulton St Chad’s Primary School with some of the newly refurbished laptopsHead girl Sophia Cox and head boy Matthew Foley at Poulton St Chad’s Primary School with some of the newly refurbished laptops
Head girl Sophia Cox and head boy Matthew Foley at Poulton St Chad’s Primary School with some of the newly refurbished laptops

Children at a Poulton primary school have said a huge thank you after a donation of vital IT equipment.

Volunteers from the West Fleetwood Computer Clinic handed over five refurbished laptops and an iPad to Poulton St Chad’s CE Primary in Hardhorn Road.

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The devices were all donated to the clinic by members of the public, following an appeal during lockdown to help families without access to enough equipment for home schooling.

Although children are now back in school, the equipment will provide a vital lifeline should any youngsters have to work from home in the future.

Jonathan Leeming, acting head at Poulton St Chads, said: “We are so grateful to the West Fleetwood Computer Clinic for such a generous donation.

“There was certainly a need for extra devices to send home during lockdown as a great deal of learning was done online, so it will be wonderful to have these available if any children have to work from home again in the future. They will also be very useful in school.

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“We want to say a huge thank you to the volunteers at the clinic and those people who donated their old devices, they really will be well used.”

The West Fleetwood Computer Clinic has refurbished more than 200 laptops for children across Wyre throughout Lockdown, and members plan to continue the work even if home schooling is no longer needed.

Dave Carlos, founder of the repair project, said: “During lockdown, it became clear that families across the county were having to share devices between several people, including home working parents, and the children’s education was therefore suffering.

“We wanted to do something to help and so put out an appeal, and were absolutely thrilled with the donations received, which we fixed up and got out to the schools as quickly as we could.

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"We were delighted to do our bit to help and will continue the project as there is always a need, but we must take this opportunity to thank all those who generously donated their machines to the clinic in the first place.”

An initiative from Fleetwood’s Emmanuel Church, the clinic’s volunteers also provide advice for anyone struggling with their home IT, and hand out refurbished donations to charities, job seekers, and anyone who needs a device to help improve their life.

The machines are wiped of any personal data and up-to-date software is installed on older machines. Each donation is provided in a bag with the relevant chargers and accessories, and a guide on how to get started.

Dave added: “It is becoming increasingly difficult to do anything without access to a computer these days. From keeping in touch with friends and family, to applying for jobs or even just shopping and paying the bills, being without a device can put people at huge disadvantage.

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“We do our best to help out with providing the kit and guidance on how to use it, ensuring old devices get a second chance and nothing goes to waste.”

The clinic, which under normal circumstances meets fortnightly at the Rossall Tavern in Larkholme Parade, is currently operating remotely. Anyone wanting to donate a device or seek IT advice can contact them by email [email protected] or via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wfcomputerclinic