WOULD your business like to see more families #GetConnected? If so, Liverpool City Council wants to hear from you!
Last year, the council launched ten post-pandemic pledges and one – Get Connected – is a commitment that all families eligible for free school meals should have access to a 4G internet connection as well.
The pledge is offering fully funded connections for 12 months to up to 10,000 households and will see about 12,000 children getting improved access to online education. Older members of each household will benefit too – being able to get online for employment opportunities and training.
Families eligible for connections are currently being contacted directly by the council.
Connections have started being rolled out to families, prioritising those with children in examination years, and now the council is offering businesses the chance to get involved.
So far council partners 8×8, Capita, Bytes, Arlingclose, and Onward Homes have committed to funding connections. It is estimated that a connection for one family for 12 months will cost no more than £300.
If your business would like to discuss helping families to Get Connected please contact GetConnected@liverpool.gov.uk
To find out more about the project, visit the #GetConnected website.
Cllr Jane Corbett, Deputy Mayor and lead for the ‘Get Connected’ Pledge said:
“Like many cities we have known that there is a digital divide in some of our communities, but the pandemic has highlighted how crucial it is that we do everything we can to bridge that gap.
“We know that there are many businesses who also want to do whatever they can to get Liverpool back on its feet after the challenges we have all faced. Supporting education and employment is one of the very best ways to do that and we’re delighted that businesses have already committed to funding connections.
“Ensuring children and young people get a great education is to everyone’s benefit – not least future employers and that’s why we would love our friends in the business community to get involved.
“Getting 10,000 households set up is no small task so if your business would like to fund connections please let us know – it would be great to have you on board. Even funding a single connection would make a massive difference.”
Russell Tilsed, public sector senior director at 8×8, said:
“8×8 is delighted to partner with Liverpool City Council to help families to #GetConnected. As a communications technology company, we’re passionate about empowering people to connect, collaborate, and build a brighter future together, and that starts with having the right tools and resources to grow.
“At 8×8, we strive to be thoughtful about the impact we make on the communities we live and work in. This project has provided a wonderful opportunity to invest in sustainable social value through accessible education.”