Laptops in lockdown for care-experienced students

Care-experienced college students in Glasgow received brand new laptops during lockdown to help them complete their current college year and future studies.

Glasgow Colleges' Regional Board allocated £5k of regional funding to support students as part of its collaborative STAY project with Action for Children, which works across Glasgow's three colleges and aims to improve outcomes for care-experienced young people attending college. 

New devices have now been allocated to 25 students. Their STAY support workers continue to offer emotional support during the pandemic, as well as delivering parcels containing toiletries and food items to the students.

Krai-Harry Sweeney (pictured) 29, grew up in the care system and now studies STEM Level 4 Engineering, progressing on to do NQ Health and Social Care Level 5. When lockdown closed colleges, Krai was able to continue his studies when his support worker secured him a new laptop. 

“This Google Chromebook is really important,” said Krai. “It has allowed me to continue to engage with my course, finish up my studies for this year and also prepare for next year at college.

“I’m grateful to Alannah at Action for Children’s STAY project for all her help and support and to the Glasgow Colleges Regional Board for their donation to the charity which funded these laptops. This is a huge help to me and other students who have received them and will now be able to complete their studies like I am.”

Martin Boyle, Executive Director of Glasgow Colleges’ Regional Board, said: "We are committed to working closely with Action for Children to help care-experienced students at Glasgow's three colleges and to ensure support continues for them during lockdown. 

"Providing this funding has enabled these students to progress with their studies, minimise stress and keep them connected, which is also important for mental health and well-being. It's fantastic that the students are putting their new technology to good use and we wish them every success with their future studies."

The STAY project launched in 2019 when GCRB and Action for Children joined forces to offer the service to college students. Action for Children staff provide practical and emotional help to care-experienced students to help them succeed in college and beyond.

Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland, added: “Since lockdown closed colleges, many students have found themselves struggling to carry on their studies due to lack of access to an appropriate device. Thanks to the support of Glasgow Colleges Regional Board, staff at our STAY project have been able to deliver laptops to students. Not only will this allow them to finish the year’s studies, but they will also be able to keep in contact with friends and family, something that’s also very important during this time."

The laptop will help support Krai as he works towards his future career, as he aims to work in residential care or as a support worker for young vulnerable people. 

Krai added: “With being in care and watching the system fail so many times, it makes me want to give back. I didn't have a good care experience and want to help those in care have a better experience.”

To find out more about GCRB and Action for Children's STAY project, watch this video.