M is 14 and a young carer. They are currently at school and during the lockdowns had to navigate care responsibilities, school and sharing resources with their siblings. Initially granted a laptop from school, the device had missing keys and severe connectivity issues, causing them to struggle to keep up with online learning which added to the stresses they were facing. As the laptop had to be returned when schools opened again, they were left technologically impoverished without access to online resources. Even with schools returning face to face, there is still a need for access to educational resources online during periods of COVID isolation. Many other projects and activities they are a part of are still operating online to mitigate the risks of COVID19 transmission.
"The laptop has helped me stay on top of schoolwork during isolation periods as well as revision! It’s also helped me keep in contact with my friends during the pandemic!" - M
(To protect privacy all names have been changed)
