When You Just Need a Break!

Sometimes, the difference between falling behind and moving forward is having someone notice, step in, and provide the right support at the right time. That’s exactly what happened when Community Computers partnered with Manchester’s Early Help Hub to support a 16-year-old boy and his grandmother.

The teenager had chosen to stay in Manchester with his 76-year-old grandmother after his mother and siblings moved abroad. The grandmother, reliant only on her state pension and unable to claim Universal Credit, was doing her best but struggling financially.  

For the boy, the challenges were clear, he needed to get back into education, but without access to a laptop, he risked being excluded from his coursework altogether. In a world where college assignments are delivered digitally, the lack of equipment was an immediate barrier. 

The EHAT (Early Help Assessment Team) offer short-term, practical support to families before problems escalate. Diane through strength–based conversations and completing a holistic assessment was able to identify that support was needed around finances, benefits advice, education support and counselling; also helping to identify the digital gap holding the young man back.

Through partnerships with businesses, housing providers, NHS trusts, and councils, Community Computers collects redundant IT equipment, securely wipes and refurbishes it, and redistributes it to those most in need.   

Adrian from Community Computers reflected, “When Diane made the referral, we were able to provide a refurbished laptop, transforming unused corporate kit into a vital tool that removes barriers to learning.” 

The impact was immediate. With a laptop in hand, the young man could engage with his studies and start planning for his future. His grandmother, carrying the weight of responsibility, found reassurance knowing he wouldn’t fall behind. 

As Diane put it: “Supporting families and young people in the community makes a real difference. They are the future.” 

This case illustrates how digital inclusion is only possible when agencies partner together.  

• EHAT frontline workers identify families in need and provide wraparound support. 
• Community Computers ensures that surplus business technology is repurposed to meet those needs.

Together, they created a “break” at just the right time, one that offered dignity, opportunity, and hope to a family facing tough circumstances.