Amey Consulting has donated 40 Kindles to Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) to support local residents. The local Consulting team, based in Cardiff, has been providing aid and assistance to local communities to help combat a range of issues around the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of a community support initiative, Amey’s team in Wales recognised that digital exclusion disproportionally affects vulnerable groups; all of which is exacerbated due to Covid-19.
The Kindles will be used to support families engaged with Caerphilly Parent Network; enabling those who are digitally excluded to read online books with their children. Support will be available to teach families digital skills, helping them access the range of free library services provided by the council.
Cllr Sean Morgan, the council’s Deputy Leader, said: “We’re very grateful to Amey for the generous donation of Kindles. These will provide an invaluable resource for many of our digitally excluded families. Reading together is important in developing bonds, but also helps the whole family gain new skills and knowledge.
“We recognise that this is a particularly difficult time for many families and, although community buildings remain closed, the council and its partners continue to provide support to those who need it.”
Caroline Lewis, Country Director Wales, Amey Consulting, commented: “Following the Covid-19 pandemic, we reached out to our local clients and respective communities to ask what support was needed given that Amey has a wide range of resources. Marcus Lloyd, Head of Infrastructure, and Tina McMahon, Community Regeneration Manager, who are leading the efforts for Caerphilly Council post Storm Dennis and the Covid-19 pandemic, responded and we listened to the devasting affects from recent events. It was clear to everyone what resources were needed and where to focus.
“We understand the effects that isolation is having on people’s wellbeing and mental health and we were really pleased to offer a digital solution whereby a free connection and access to online services is provided to support vulnerable and digitally excluded residents. We are thrilled to donate 40 Kindles to Caerphilly CBC.”
This donation follows on from an initiative set up by Amey’s parent company Ferrovial, to secure a £150,000 donation to the Trussell Trust, including the Blackwood and District Foodbank who received a £17k donation through the “Ferrovial Juntos Covid-19 fund”.