TECH4KIDS: 10-year-old Fulham girl runs to beat digital poverty

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Lottie, aged 10 (pictured) has raised more than £1,100 to donate to our Tech4Kids appeal



 


A Fulham schoolgirl has helped children without a digital device or data by raising more than £1,100 for our Tech4Kids appeal.

Lottie, aged 10, decided to raise the money after she learned of our Tech4Kids appeal when her school started collecting unused devices for disadvantaged children and young people.

During lockdown, she had her own laptop and realised how unfair it was that many children lacked the tech resources she had. She felt so passionately about this issue that she decided to do a 10-kilometre run with a time limit of 90 minutes.

“I wanted to challenge myself and raise money and I thought 10km was impressive,” Lottie said. Her family thought so too.

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Changing lives

And thanks to Lottie, at least seven children’s lives will be transformed with a new laptop for online learning.

“That makes me feel proud of my achievement and honoured to help local children not as fortunate as me,” she said.

Although she’d done short runs before, Lottie knew 10km would really push her to her limits. Unfortunately, a foot injury meant training was suspended while she healed. Getting back into training and reaching the fitness level required in a shorter time was hard work, but she persevered.

During the run, which took place last weekend (12 September) Lottie said she felt exhausted at the 3km mark, and unsure she could triple that distance. But she kept going, feeling more positive, and when she reached the final 10 metres, she thought: ‘I’ve done it!’. Lottie celebrated completing her challenge with a slice of banana bread her mum and sister baked during her run.

Digital champion

At school, Lottie loves all aspects of ICT (information and communications technology) and is happy her fundraising effort means more local kids can discover ICT for themselves.

So far, Lottie has raised a whopping £1,128.75 to donate to our Tech4Kids appeal.

The Tech4Kids Appeal is a campaign by Hammersmith & Fulham Council in partnership with local headteachers, the charity UNITED in H&F and social enterprise Ready Tech Go to make sure no youngster misses out on the chance to learn.

The appeal still needs more support from residents and companies. With £159 a young person receives a new laptop.

You can learn more or make a donation on the UNITED in H&F website.

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TECH4KIDS: New laptops help Wendell Park pupils beat the digital divide

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Image 1One of the five children given laptops at Wendell Park Primary in Shepherds Bush

Young students at Wendell Park Primary in Shepherds Bush can now access online learning thanks to laptops donated via our Tech4Kids appeal.

The Tech4Kids appeal aims to bridge the digital divide, so no child misses out. “We didn’t realise how many kids didn’t have access to the internet until the pandemic,” said deputy headteacher Rosemarie Peters. “Not having that access is so limiting.”

Five children were given laptops, and all agreed that it would make homework easier and open new worlds. Four chose maths as their favourite subject and are fans of the Times Tables Rock Stars app that builds skills in multiplication.

It now means homework can be submitted directly, rather than manually. “School is better with a laptop,” said Year 3 student Hidayah. “For homework, it’s really amazing.”

Dior, in Year 4, said: “It’s pretty cool for maths games,” while Year 5’s Aissatou said: “I feel happy to have a laptop because I had to use my mum’s phone screen, which was tiny.”

Erza, in Year 5, said life had been transformed as there was now no fighting over the single laptop at home, while Fifi, in Year 4, said: “It’s meant I have my own space, and can do my own work.”

The Tech4Kids appeal aims to eventually provide 1,500 laptops to children in need across Hammersmith & Fulham.

Savraj Kaur, Executive Director of United in H&F, who is collecting the funds, urged more businesses and residents to get involved and donate. “Local companies Agylisis and Immediate Media were the first to fund this campaign, and residents have come forward too,” she said.

Donate here

At the start of the pandemic, Wendell Park primary conducted a survey to see who could get online on a laptop or desktop computer – and who couldn’t.

“We were shocked by how many children didn’t have a laptop, and were trying to do homework on a phone,” said Ms Peters.

The Tech4Kids Appeal is a campaign by H&F Council in partnership with headteachers, the charity UNITED in H&F and social enterprise Ready Tech Go. Every £159 raised means that another young person receives a new laptop.

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TECH4KIDS APPEAL: How laptop recycling can beat the digital divide for young people

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Image 1Cllr PJ Murphy, Mayor of H&F, at Ready Tech Go’s workshop

 

The Mayor was guest of honour when he met volunteers at a project which ensures no child in Hammersmith & Fulham is denied access to online learning.

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Cllr PJ Murphy – who is supporting the Tech4Kids appeal – visited the west London workshop which recycles laptops for children and young people and was introduced to helper Mandeep Sahota.

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Workshop helper Mandeep Sahota

Mandeep began volunteering as he, too, had been a child with very limited access to the internet. His father died when he was nine, and it was only through second-hand hand-me-down laptops and help from neighbours that he was able to get online and do schoolwork.

Today he works as a cloud engineer, having studied computer science at the University of Westminster. “We’re so reliant on the internet today,” he told the Mayor. “I can only imagine the frustration pupils without devices must have felt during the pandemic, when libraries were closed.”

Mandeep told the Mayor that he got enormous satisfaction from refurbishing laptops or tablets, knowing the difference they make. “It’s a really good feeling to see people getting benefits from recycled devices,” he said.

At the weekend’s workshop, nearly 100 devices were checked and prepared for young people by the Tech4Kids volunteers. Cllr Murphy also met Savraj Kaur, executive director of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham, who also co-founded Ready Tech Go, and others in her team.

The Mayor said: “To see a group of people willingly give up a precious Saturday for the benefit of others is amazing. What really struck me is the team’s complete selflessness. They will never directly see the joy on kids’ faces, the pride they will have and how their lives will be enriched, but I hope they all take great comfort from the fact that they are changing people’s lives.”

The team was refurbishing some of the 240 devices that have so far been donated by local residents, customer data science company Dunnhumby and life sciences platform Medidata.

The appeal still needs more support from residents and companies, with £159 providing a brand-new laptop to a young person.

The Tech4Kids project is a drive by H&F Council in partnership with local headteachers, the charity UNITED in H&F and social enterprise Ready Tech Go to make sure no youngster misses out on the chance to learn.

You can learn more or make a donation on the UNITED in H&F website.

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H&F Mayor backs Tech4Kids appeal to close digital divide

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The Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr PJ Murphy, has named the community-led Tech4Kids appeal as one of his official charities to support this year.

Local charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham is raising funds for Tech4Kids, which runs in partnership with local tech social enterprise Ready Tech Go and H&F Council.

All the money raised will ensure that local children and young people in need get vital devices and data they require to catch up with their schoolwork.

“The Covid crisis has really brought to the fore the importance of technology for some of our more disadvantaged people in the community,” Cllr Murphy said.

“If pupils don’t have the devices from the start, they’ll lose out. So, it’s really important that everybody has access to technology… It would be fantastic if you could get involved and support us.”

VIDEO: Cllr PJ Murphy introduces the Tech4Kids appeal

Embedded thumbnailClick to play video: Cllr PJ Murphy backs Tech4Kids appeal to close digital divide

Tech4Kids aims to get 1,500 local children and young people laptops and internet connection. Many are living in poverty and have been identified through local head teachers as being most at risk of missing out on learning opportunities due to their life circumstances.

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Alternatively, if you have unused quality devices (laptop/tablet PC) see the UNITED in H&F website for how to give.

More about Tech4Kids

The charity, which is a member of the London’s Giving movement, played a vital role in supporting local people during the pandemic, including through crowdfunding to support 200 groups and 2,000 families through rapid Covid grants.

100% of money raised will ensure we get vital devices and internet connectivity to these young people who are most in need.

Savraj Kaur, Executive Director at UNITED in H&F, said: “This support comes at a critical time for local young people who simply don’t have the chance to gain digital skills and resources they need.

“Cllr Murphy’s profile and reach, as well as his passion for the cause, will add to our drive to reach an ambitious target of £159,000.

“We are honoured to be selected and look forward to helping change so many young lives for the better.”

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Announcing the Chair of the United in H&F Board

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Joanna Kennedy has been announced as Chair of the growing place-based giving scheme in H&F

UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham Board have announced that Joanna Kennedy has been appointed to succeed Kevin McGrath as the Chair of the Trustee Board . She will lead the young charity through its next stage of development, with the aim of taking it to a mature and sustainable status which will help it make a noticeable impact on the Borough. Her tenure began on 11 August.

Announcing her appointment, Joanna said:

“I am very excited to be joining this Board at a crucial stage in the development of the charity. Place based giving schemes are an energising and cooperative development in the life of a borough and United in Hammersmith & Fulham has already made a big improvement in the lives of residents and I hope I can help it develop that work.”

Executive Director, Savraj Kaur, said:

“I am delighted to be working with Joanna, with her wealth of relevant experience and passion for the local area. I am sure that she will prove to be a strong leader at this very important time for us all.

The board thank trustee Julian Hillman who was Acting Chair since the charity’s first ever Chair Kevin McGrath DL OBE, stepped down in December 2021, and Deborah Xavier of member organisation London Funders who assisted in the hiring process.

You can read more about Joanna, at her profile link here.

 

Tech4Kids appeal – can you help us to reach our target?

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[ First published by LBHF Council on 27 May 2021]

More than 1,500 local children and young people are still at risk of missing out on their schoolwork due to a lack of a device or required data.

That’s why Hammersmith & Fulham Council continues to ask for support for our Tech4Kids partnership appeal – in conjunction with local charity UNITED in H&F and local enterprise Ready Tech Go.

So far, local people, schools and businesses have given £22,000 towards a £159,000 target.

We call on you to give whatever you can, today:

  • £159 can provide a vital laptop with child safeguarding software
  • £20 can get an essential data sim card for internet access

Donate now

“If pupils don’t have the devices from the start, they’ll lose out. So, it’s really important that everybody has access to technology,” said Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr PJ Murphy.

Rest assured that 100% of money raised will ensure we get vital devices and internet connectivity to these young people who are most in need.

Alex, a pupil at Hammersmith Academy secondary school, said: “It’s not fair that children don’t have a laptop at home, they need it for their homework and to get good jobs in the future.”

Watch our campaign video

 

View the video transcript for our Tech4Kids appeal.

 

Are you a company or a foundation?

If you run or work for a local company or foundation, we encourage you to step forward if you can and help local children who are most in need. £10,000 can help to give the equivalent of two classrooms full of in-need children vital devices.

“Locally-based companies Agylisis and Immediate Media have been the first to fund this campaign with cash gifts. It’s really a case of better neighbours making better neighbourhoods,” said Savraj Kaur, Executive Director at UNITED, and co-founder of Ready Tech Go.

Please email Savraj at [email protected] to discuss a larger donation.

 

 

Faith leaders team up with H&F and charity to help out

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[ First published by LBHF Council on 27 May 2021]

Leaders from the three faith communities in White City have pooled their energies and resources to support those struggling in the pandemic as a result of poverty and educational disadvantage.

Supported by grants from the Winter Wellbeing Fund – set up by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and administered by UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham – the new White City Interfaith Partnership has seen the leaders of the Church of England, Roman Catholic Church and Islamic communities come together.

“If we can work together, we can bring things into the neighbourhood that will lift everybody,” said the Rev Ben Humphries, vicar of the Church of St Michael and St George in White City.

Rather than focus on differences, the partnership’s aim is to show that more unites us as a community than divides.

Uniting those in need

The group has been providing emergency food packages to families for five years, with surplus supermarket food, UNITED funding and H&F Council’s Winter Wellbeing grant securing extra items for the hardest-pressed.

“If families can’t afford to buy food, then they’re not going to buy toothpaste it’s as basic as that,” said Mr Humphries.

Funding has ensured that essentials such as toiletries, cleaning products, sanitary items and food basics have been bought, with a focus on breakfast items to ensure children are not hungry before school. “That ought to make a big difference to what parents give our most vulnerable children,” he added.

Additionally, the partnership received around 70 boxes, each containing enough food to make a week’s worth of half-term lunches, for those on free school meals.

Winter Wellbeing helps 32 local projects

In total, the Winter Wellbeing fund has given £142,836 in grants to 32 different local projects, prompting UNITED executive director Savraj Kaur to thank everyone who has helped.

“Winter is always harder than any other time of year, and that is especially true for families experiencing additional hardship due to the past year’s crises,” she said. “We’re delighted that our young charity could partner with the council to help, and we will use this experience to help others in the coming year too.”

Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council, praised the hard work of the individual projects, and the fund administrators. “By helping to channel the grants to grassroots activities it could be used most effectively,” she said. “It’s been fantastic to see so many groups and communities come together to support all of H&F through the pandemic.”

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On the left is Church of St Michael and St George and on the right is an outing to Kew Gardens for some of the families involved with the Shepherds Bush Families Project

 

Community response

Others to have benefited from the grant programme include Dad’s House – a Fulham-based community charity that has worked in partnership with Solidarity Sports to supply food to those who need it and assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“A lot of the families did lose jobs, and through losing jobs, there was, unfortunately, a lot of family breakdown going along, side-by-side,” said Billy McGranaghan from the charity. A £5,000 grant covered the cost of winter bills for struggling families, including single dads. “UNITED and H&F Council’s partnership has been instrumental in helping us,” he said.

Another to benefit has been the Shepherds Bush Families Project. Awarded £9,000 from the Winter Wellbeing fund, it has been busily helping families caught between a lack of housing and high rent charges.

“For those with housing needs, the need has been really bad,” says Tina Mayers from the project. “It’s been really difficult to have three or four children in a one-bedroom flat, not being able to go out more than to do their daily exercise during the pandemic.”

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Billy McGranaghan (right) founder of Dad’s House

Volunteers’ Week 2021: Invitation for Local Groups to Request Help

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We understand that the pandemic has stretched local non-profit groups immensely, and a few extra pairs of hands or skilled advisors can help a lot. That is why, with less than one month to go until Volunteers’ Week 2021, taking place 1-7 June, we’re encouraging groups to sign up to potentially be matched with staff volunteers from local company Immediate Media.

Local groups can complete a simple form to request volunteers for up to 1-1.5 days across 1-7 June via the online form, below, before Monday 17 May, 2021, midday.

This is not limited to requests for help with:

  • Gardening
  • Painting
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • CV Writing
  • Speed mentoring

Please note that a match is not guaranteed, as volunteers are limited and will be allocated on a ‘best fit’ basis by Immediate Media’s team.

More about Immediate Media

Immediate is a special interest content and platform company based in Hammersmith & Fulham. The fast-growing, multi-platform media business is home to over 1,000 people across eight divisions. You can find out more at their website here.

 

 

Six local residents named as part of newly launched community grants panel

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Photojournalist Cinzia D’Ambrosi and visually impaired campaigner Ramona Williams are among six local residents who have joined UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham’s new Community Grants Panel which pilots distributing decision making power to local people.

The place-based giving scheme’s first ever community panel will receive full training and go on as a group to make independent decisions to allocate pots of funding which support community initiatives for the next 18-months. Together, they will bring unique insights and represent the needs of people with their experience of diverse communities in the borough.

The full list of successful panellists (in alphabetical order) is below:

  • Cinzia D’Ambrosi
  • Iashia John
  • Louise Jones
  • Jeannetta Orton
  • Trey Campbell-Simon
  • Ramona Williams

All will work part time and be paid the London Living Wage for their training, and for assessing and distributing each round of grants, thanks to funding from City Bridge Trust.

Trey Campbell-Simon of Fulham, and the youngest of all the panellists, said:

“It fills me with immense pride to know that through this role I will be able to give back even more to the borough that has given so much me.”

Savraj Kaur, Executive Director of UNITED said:

“This panel is a vital step in helping us continue our mission to help make Hammersmith & Fulham an even better place to work, live and play. We are lucky to have these six incredible residents in our first cohort, who will no doubt bring great energy, independent thinking, and challenge and assure our grant making ways.”

A further announcement about applications for the first round of funding will proceed in the Summer months.

You can read more about each panel member at the link here.

Local frontline charities receive £130,000 from our Winter Wellbeing Fund

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[First published by LBHF Council on 1 April 2021]

Another wave of grant aid to grassroots projects assisting local H&F residents during the pandemic means that more than £133,000 has now been distributed.

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Robert Mansur (pictured) from Bishop Creighton House

A further £50,000 has been paid out this month by the Winter Wellbeing Community Fund, set up by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and administered by UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham to channel government grant aid and private donations to where help is most needed.

Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council, said the Winter Wellbeing Community Fund was ‘making a real difference to those who need it most’.

The latest projects to benefit include Solidarity Sports, which works to boost the confidence of children recovering from chronic trauma.

It has been awarded £9,940 to support families in poverty with food essentials and utility bills, delivering care packages including toiletries as well as books, games and skipping ropes to engage with children.

Also benefiting from the most recent distribution is the charity Advance, which has received £10,000 to help women and girls facing domestic abuse in the borough.

If you need the support of Advance, please ring 020 8741 7008 or email [email protected]

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Pictured is a London Sports Trust basketball training session for kids

 

Other projects to receive funding are:

Bishop Creighton House providing essential food parcels, meals and support to those most in need in H&F. It has been given a £6,175 grant.

Community Education Forum has been given £5,000 for food for families on low income.

The Ethiopian Women’s Empowerment Group has received £5,922.50 to pay for food vouchers and support with utility bills.

Streetlytes, which is supported by the Shepherds Bush Housing Group, has been awarded £5,000 to help the homeless with drop-in facilities and hot meals.

London Sports Trust has been given £5,000 to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of deprived youngsters, while the Easter holiday club of the White City Interfaith Partnership has received £2,100 to provide lunches and healthy snacks.