Over the last 5months the #CovConnects team has been working in partnership with Valley House and Jangala to ensure that vulnerable residents can access the internet.
This joint project will bring wi-fi, provided by Jangala’s ‘Get Box’, to Valley House’s Coventry accommodation, allowing their residents to access the digital world.
The Get Box is a rapidly deployable, cost-effective internet connectivity device that provides secure and reliable Wi-Fi for tens of users at a time. As part of the project, Valley House received 27 ‘Get Boxes’ enabling them to spread the connectivity across a number of properties.
National Databank SIM Cards from the Good Things Foundation were also used in tandem with the Get Boxes to enable the residents to access essential online services for health, education and banking.
In addition, this improved connectivity also allowed residents to access entertainment like BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Disney+ which had previously been out of reach.
One of Valley House’s residents had this to say about their experience with the Get Box: “I love it, I saved at least £10.00 per week straight away which is helping me budget better. I can book my appointments easier now and I can watch films and craft things. I am going to try and get my Alexa set up on the internet!”
Valley House are an organisation based in Coventry who offer tailored services to victims of domestic abuse. They provide invaluable support through supplying safe accommodation, one-to-one case work and structured group work, as well as specialist support for a variety of groups.
Jangala, are a UK based charity dedicated to enabling internet access for people in need of urgent humanitarian aid or longer-term development assistance.
Both organisations are valued and trusted organisations committed to empowering people experiencing hardship. Thanks to their support, the digital divide in Coventry has been further reduced.
You can learn more about Valley House and Jangala on their respective websites.
If you have been victim of sexual assault or abuse in Coventry, please contact the Police on 101 or 999 if your life is in immediate danger. More details about the support available for victims can be found on the Safe to Talk website.