WIREDGOV

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is expanding its Tech4YoungCarers programme to ensure that young carers across all of Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, have access to the digital tools they need for education, work, and staying connected. Previously available in select areas, the programme will now be available countywide, eliminating digital access barriers for young people with caregiving responsibilities.

More than 1,800 young carers live in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Without digital access, many struggle to keep up with their education and personal development, facing unnecessary hardship due to a lack of reliable devices and internet connectivity.

The Tech4YoungCarers programme directly addresses these challenges by providing refurbished laptops, connectivity support, and digital skills training, enabling young carers to engage with education and essential services more easily.

The DPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Anderson, emphasised the importance of the initiative:

“Young carers already juggle enormous responsibilities, and access to technology should not be another hurdle they face. By expanding Tech4YoungCarers across all of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, we are ensuring that these young people have the digital resources they need to pursue education, stay connected, and access critical support. This programme is about providing practical solutions that make a real difference in their daily lives, helping them balance their caregiving roles with their own aspirations.”

The expansion is made possible through collaboration with E2BN, Centre 33, and Cambridgeshire County Council.

John Chapman, Director of E2BN, highlighted the significance of digital access:

“We are delighted that this programme, designed to empower young carers, can now provide essential support to young carers and their families across all of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Technology plays a fundamental role in education, employment, and social connection. This programme ensures that young carers, who often face isolation and immense pressure, have access to laptops, connectivity, and skills training. Equipping them with these tools allows them to engage with the world on their own terms and build a more secure future.”

Pippa Heylings, MP for South Cambridgeshire, recognised the importance of expanding the programme:

“Young carers dedicate themselves to supporting their loved ones, yet too often they face barriers that restrict their own opportunities. In today’s digital-first world, having a laptop is not a luxury – it is a necessity for education, employment, and staying connected. Expanding the Tech4YoungCarers programme across Cambridgeshire ensures that these young people are not left behind. I commend the Digital Poverty Alliance, Centre 33, and Cambridgeshire County Council for their leadership in improving digital access, and I encourage businesses and organisations to support this initiative. Together, we can provide young carers with the resources they need to succeed.”

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