Donated Laptops Transform Learning for Young Carers
From Corporate to Charity:
Refurbished Laptops Donation Helps Young Carers Across Norfolk Stay Connected and Thrive
From left to right Clare Pedersen, Education and Community Lead for Young Carers Matter Norfolk at Voluntary Norfolk, Archie Mayne (Network Engineer from Osiris IT who volunteered his time with PtG to ensure the laptops are wiped and ready for use), and Chrissie Nebbett (Administrative Officer for OIT and volunteer overseeing Plug the Gap).
Young Carers Matter Norfolk (YCMN), a service delivered by Voluntary Norfolk, is delighted to have received a generous donation of refurbished laptops from Plug the Gap CIC. They will help to ensure young carers across the county have access to vital technology at home.
Plug the Gap was established during the Covid-19 pandemic by Phillip Roffe to support children who were learning from home but were missing out on Government technology grants. The project continues to bridge the digital divide by partnering with businesses upgrading their IT equipment, refurbishing donated devices and redistributing them to individuals and families who need them most. The initiative is run entirely by volunteers.
This latest donation was supported by Archie Mayne, IT Engineer at Osiris IT, who volunteered his time and technical expertise to professionally wipe and prepare the laptops, ensuring they are secure and ready for use. His contribution, alongside Chrissie Nebbett, who oversees Plug the Gap’s work, highlights the strong community collaboration behind the project.
Chrissie Nebbett from Plug the Gap CIC said:
“We know how essential access to technology is for every member of society today. We’re incredibly proud to work with organisations like Young Carers Matter Norfolk to ensure devices reach those who will truly benefit from them. We would encourage any businesses upgrading their IT equipment to get in touch — donated devices can make a life-changing difference. We’re also always keen to hear from tech savvy volunteers who want to support our work in tackling digital inequality.”
How will the laptops help young carers?
The laptops will directly support young carers who may otherwise struggle to access suitable IT at home. Reliable technology is vital not only for education, but for staying connected with friends, accessing online resources and receiving support.
Clare Pedersen
Clare Pedersen, Education and Community Lead for Young Carers Matter Norfolk at Voluntary Norfolk, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Plug the Gap and their volunteers, especially Archie and Chrissie, for their generosity and commitment to reducing digital inequality. Access to good quality IT can make a real difference to a young carer’s education and wellbeing. Many of the young people we support are balancing school alongside significant caring responsibilities at home, so having the right tools to learn and stay connected is so important.
Partnerships like this show what can be achieved when organisations and volunteers come together with a shared purpose.”
Young Carers Matter Norfolk works with young people aged 5 to 18 who provide care to a family member due to illness, disability, mental health difficulties or substance misuse. The service offers tailored support including one-to-one sessions, group activities, family support and transition planning into further education, employment and training. It champions young carers’ strengths and resilience, helping ensure they have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive as their peers.
