#CovConnects has been working with Carriers of Hope to support refugees, asylum, seekers and other migrant communities across Coventry to feel digitally included in meaningful ways.
Carriers of Hope are a registered charity, established in 2009 in response to the urgent needs of asylum seekers, refugees, and newly arrived migrants in Coventry. Starting out delivering essential items in carrier bags, this act inspired their name.
Now, as well as supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with essential items, Carriers of Hope also support them to access services, skills and agencies to empower them to build a brighter future.
First becoming a #CovConnects partner in November 2023, Carriers of Hope initially received a number of Chromebooks, laptops and connectivity dongles through the #CovConnects Device Bank. These new devices were funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Connected Services programme.
Carriers of Hope told us that residents have been using the devices in many ways, from accessing housing and health services to online education and entertainment.
Most recently, Carriers of Hope received laptops from the #CovConnects Device Bank in June 2024 to further support their digital inclusion activities.
Steffi Price , Director of Operations and Partnerships at Carriers of Hope, told us:
“Our goal is to empower our clients to break free from poverty and isolation in their new homes and build brighter, better futures for their families. Poverty often limits access to essential services, and one of the most significant barriers is technology. It is nearly impossible to navigate today's world without access to the internet. By partnering with #CovConnects, we've been able to connect our clients to everything Coventry has to offer.”
“One of our proudest achievements is providing a laptop to a long-term client who became the first in our program to attend university. This milestone would not have been possible without the support of #CovConnects!”
Want to learn more? Visit Carriers of Hope’s website. [https://carriersofhope.org.uk/]
Find out more about the #CovConnects Device Bank on the Council’s website. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/cov-connects/device-bank]
#CovConnects is Coventry City Council’s digital inclusion programme. It aims to support residents on their digital journeys, working in partnership with organisations both locally and nationally, improving access for all.