Reconnecting North Somerset residents with laptop donations

North Somerset Council and the council’s free job

skills support service, Opportunity North Somerset, have successfully distributed 40 refurbished laptops to residents in need.  

This is thanks to a generous donation from the Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank.

The donated laptops were distributed by libraries after being identified through Opportunity North Somerset and are now helping recipients to access online services, improve digital skills, and reconnect with communities. 

Among the recipients: 

• a resident with Parkinson’s who struggles with communication now uses his new laptop for writing and staying in touch with support services 

  
  

• a single parent is using her device to access online courses in Maths and English while searching for work 

  
  

• an 87-year-old from Congresbury, a complete beginner in IT, can now stay connected with the community groups she supports, many of which communicate online

  
  

• a former writer is now able to write again and manage everyday admin tasks from home 

  
  

• one recipient in supported housing is using her laptop to build independence by attending language and IT courses through Community Learning. 

  
  

Others are using the laptops to complete job applications, attend therapy, access recovery resources for loved ones, and engage in e-learning as they prepare to return to work or education. 

Opportunity North Somerset is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and offers free, personalised support to residents aged 16+ who are not in paid work. This includes help with job searching, skills development, confidence building and tackling barriers to employment. 

For more information and to sign up, visit: Opportunity North Somerset  

Or contact skillssupport@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 07385 146356 / 07385 146355. 

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, families, skills and lifelong learning, said: “This scheme is a fantastic example of how we can work together to break down barriers. Whether it’s helping someone access training, stay in touch with loved ones, or build the confidence to return to work, these laptops are making a genuine difference. I’m proud to see North Somerset leading the way in tackling digital exclusion and promoting inclusive growth.”