By Tilly Walder
WightFibre further strengthened an already well-established partnership with the Isle of Wight Youth Trust on Wednesday, with the donation of more than £300 together with five laptops and five mobile phones.
The £342.65 was raised by WightFibre staff through their sponsored Christmas charity jumper day.
The devices will help launch a Tech Bank for young people, giving them access to vital equipment for training, employment and getting on-line. They will also be used in Digital Inclusion Workshops, and by young people receiving one-to-one housing and employment advice.
Matt Hall, 16-25 service lead at the IW Youth Trust, said the donation would make a significant difference to young people who often lack access to digital resources. He explained that the organisation regularly supports young people who do not have access to laptops or phones, including those who have experienced homelessness.
“Everything now has to be done on-line, so to be able to say ‘here you go, you can access this with us’ is really helpful,” he said.
Matt explained how the devices would help young people learn how to manage their on-line identities and stay safe, adding that early education in this area could have a lasting impact on their future.
“It might just seem like a laptop, but to a young person that can change their whole future trajectory,” he said.
Matt added that the partnership with WightFibre goes beyond simply providing equipment, with the company also supporting digital skills development and safety. The Youth Trust is also part of WightFibre’s Connected Communities Programme, which provides a free Wi-Fi hotspot at its Newport base, helping young people stay connected with friends, family, and essential services.
Matt said WightFibre had shown a strong commitment to supporting young people on the Island, describing the partnership as one the charity is “extremely grateful” for.
Deon Redpath, marketing director at WightFibre, accompanied by Johanna Poole from the company’s social committee, said: “We’re very happy to continue our support of the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, and the important work they do for young people on the Island.
“Digital inclusion is something WightFibre is passionate about, and we hope that our donation of laptops and mobile phones will help the Youth Trust expand access to digital equipment for young people across the Island.
“We’re also grateful to our own employees at WightFibre, who supported the Christmas jumper fund-raiser in December.”
Isle of Wight Observer 
Mal Butler