Housing association helps bridge digital divide

A housing association has donated technology to a community group helping asylum seekers and refugees to ‘bridge a digital divide’. 

Manningham Housing Association (MHA), which manages more than 1400 homes for in excess of 6000 residents in Bradford and Keighley, handed over laptops, phones and power leads to Bradford-based non-profit organisation Solidaritech to recondition and then distribute to migrants.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA chief executive, said: “Solidaritech makes a positive difference to the lives of digitally excluded people who want to do the best for themselves and their families.

“I would encourage other organisations or individuals with digital equipment they no longer need to get in touch with Solidaritech and help them continue their superb initiative.”

Since 2017, Solidaritech has repurposed more than 4000 devices for digitally excluded individuals across Yorkshire and the Humber, enabling them to pursue studies, start businesses, or convert their qualifications to UK standards.

Ben McKenna, Solidaritech founder and chief executive, added: “Solidaritech are hugely grateful for MHA’s donation.

“These laptops will benefit our clients, helping digitally excluded people access services, gain qualifications and start businesses.”

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