Groundwork London works to support local communities with the things that matter.
Their vision is of a society of sustainable communities which are vibrant, healthy and safe, which respect the local and global environment and where individuals and enterprise prosper.
The Covid-19 pandemic has amplified inequalities and challenges facing individuals and communities across London, including poverty, health inequalities, access to decent work and housing. As these inequalities have widened many have become isolated and cut off from vital services.
Supporting Refugees & Migrants to be Digitally Included 18 months into the pandemic, Community TechAid was able to support Groundwork London thanks to the help of Currys and the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA). Currys, through the DPA, donated 20 Amazon Tablets to Community TechAid in Autumn 2021. Community TechAid are delighted to have been able to support Groundwork’s Together South participants in south London by providing tablets to help their participants online. Groundwork provides services for refugees and migrant families across Lambeth, helping them to thrive and connect to their communities by running a holistic programme called ‘Together South’. Over the last 18 months many of their classes have moved online, and without access to a device, those they support have been cut off. This isolation causes further stress and anxiety and makes it harder for families to thrive. Joshua, who helps to run the project, said “A large amount of our work focuses on building relationships through community engagement, and these devices have made a huge difference to our participants, helping them to feel connected. They are now able to attend online language classes and stay in touch with us, it really has been a lifeline“. Having access to a device opens up avenues for further support, and during difficult times, allows individuals to engage in services to improve their wellbeing and increase future opportunities; being digitally included is not a luxury, it’s become a vital part of our daily lives. It’s thanks to donations like these from Currys and the DPA that Community TechAid are able to continue their work supporting local south London communities.