The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has expanded its Tech4Young Carers scheme, helping more young people across the UK access the technology and skills they need to stay connected, bridge the digital divide, manage their caring responsibilities, while continuing their education.
Following a successful first year in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the scheme is now being rolled out to Milton Keynes and Southend-on-Sea, reaching an additional 200 young carers across these three regions. This expansion forms part of the DPA’s wider mission to end digital poverty across the UK, with funding provided by E2BN.
Research shows that more than eight in ten young carers feel lonely during the summer holidays, and one in three experience stress and isolation year-round. This scheme supports young carers aged 11–25 who provide unpaid care for a family member or close friend living with a long-term or terminal illness, disability, mental health condition, age-related frailty, or addiction.
By providing laptops and short-form digital skills training, the programme aims to make it easier for young carers to keep in touch with support networks and maintain their education remotely.
Each participant will receive a laptop and access to short-form digital skills courses that can be completed in 15 minutes or less, ideal for those unable to attend in-person workshops. This technology will help young carers stay connected with friends and support networks and keep up with schoolwork remotely
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “Young carers take on incredible responsibilities, often at the expense of their own education, social lives, and wellbeing. The Tech4Young Carers scheme is designed to make life a little easier – giving them the tools and skills they need to stay connected, access education, and look after their own mental health. This expansion means we can reach even more young carers who deserve every opportunity to thrive.”
Kathy Olsson at E2BN, commented: “We are proud to continue funding this vital programme. Access to technology should be a right, not a privilege, and for young carers it can be a lifeline – opening the door to education, opportunities, and support networks that would otherwise be out of reach.”