Empowering Salford Residents - The Big Device Giveaway

The Big Device Giveaway is part of Salford Council's wider Digital Everyone campaign, which aims to help all Salford residents to get online and enjoy the benefits of digital technology. Whether you want to learn new skills, find a job, access services, stay in touch with family and friends, or just have fun, we have something for you!

As part of the End Digital Poverty campaign, led by the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) on Thursday, 12th September, Salford Council is launching The Big Device Giveaway. This initiative aims to distribute 600 free refurbished laptops, tablets, and SIM cards to residents who lack digital access.

Please be advised applications are restricted to one device per household.

Would you like to have a say in how we inform our digital inclusion strategy, if so please complete our survey - 2024 Salford Digital Inclusion Survey

End Digital Poverty Day – St Peter's Church - Thursday 12 September

200 devices will be gifted to eligible Salford residents on:

Thursday 12 September, 12:30pm - 2.30pm

St Peter's Church, Vicarage Road, Swinton, Manchester, M27 0WA

Are You Eligible?

If you would like to apply for a device you must meet the below criteria and provide evidence of this:

Be over 18 years old, with photo ID
Be a Salford resident, providing proof of address, dated within the last two months.
Have no access to a suitable device (either a laptop or tablet)
Be in receipt of one of the following income based benefits (you will be asked to provide a copy as proof):
- Income Support: This benefit is no longer open to new claims. Existing claimants can continue to receive it, but new applicants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): This is available for those who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Available for those who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit: This is for people over State Pension age on a low income.
- Universal Credit (not working): Available for those who are out of work or on a low income.
- Universal Credit (working): Eligibility depends on your earnings. The thresholds you mentioned are correct for assessing eligibility.
- Child Tax Credit: Available for those with children, provided they are not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- If you get support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of the above criteria at the event. If you're unable to provide copies you will not be able to receive a device.

Partners

Digital Everyone
The Bread-and-Butter Thing
BetterOff
Gateway Localities
Corinth Training
Connect Talent
Age Friendly Salford
Employment Hubs
GMP Cyber Security
Digital Champions

Digitober - Little Hulton Library - Wednesday 2 October

100 devices will be gifted to eligible Salford residents at this event on:

Wednesday 2 October, 2pm - 4pm

Little Hulton Library, Longshaw Drive Worsley, Cadishead M28 0AZ

Are You Eligible?

If you would like to apply for a device you must meet the below criteria and provide evidence of this:

Be over 18 years old, with photo ID
Be a Salford resident, providing proof of address, dated within the last two months.
Have no access to a suitable device (either a laptop or tablet)
Be in receipt of one of the following income based benefits (you will be asked to provide a copy as proof):
- Income Support: This benefit is no longer open to new claims. Existing claimants can continue to receive it, but new applicants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): This is available for those who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Available for those who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit: This is for people over State Pension age on a low income.
- Universal Credit (not working): Available for those who are out of work or on a low income.
- Universal Credit (working): Eligibility depends on your earnings. The thresholds you mentioned are correct for assessing eligibility.
- Child Tax Credit: Available for those with children, provided they are not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- If you get support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of the above criteria at the event. If you're unable to provide copies you will not be able to receive a device.

Partners

Digital Everyone
Women with Wings
Salford Community Leisure
BetterOff
Gateway Localities
Corinth Training
Connect Talent
Age Friendly Salford
Employment Hubs
Digital Champions

Digitober - Broughton Hub - Thursday 10 October

100 devices will be gifted to eligible Salford residents at this event on:

Thursday 10 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm

Broughton Hub, 50 Rigby Street, Salford M7 4BQ

Are You Eligible?

If you would like to apply for a device you must meet the below criteria and provide evidence of this:

Be over 18 years old, with photo ID
Be a Salford resident, providing proof of address, dated within the last two months.
Have no access to a suitable device (either a laptop or tablet)
Be in receipt of one of the following income based benefits (you will be asked to provide a copy as proof):
- Income Support: This benefit is no longer open to new claims. Existing claimants can continue to receive it, but new applicants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): This is available for those who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Available for those who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit: This is for people over State Pension age on a low income.
- Universal Credit (not working): Available for those who are out of work or on a low income.
- Universal Credit (working): Eligibility depends on your earnings. The thresholds you mentioned are correct for assessing eligibility.
- Child Tax Credit: Available for those with children, provided they are not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- If you get support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of the above criteria at the event. If you're unable to provide copies you will not be able to receive a device.

Partners

Digital Everyone
BetterOff
Gateway Localities
Corinth Training
Connect Talent
Age Friendly Salford
Employment Hubs
Digital Champions

Get Online Week - Salford Lads Club - Thursday 17 October

Salford Lads Club - Get Online Week Image

100 devices will be gifted to eligible Salford residents at this event on:

Thursday 17 October, 9:30am-11:30am

Salford Lads Club, St Ignatius Walk, Salford M5 3RX

Are You Eligible?

If you would like to apply for a device you must meet the below criteria and provide evidence of this:

Be over 18 years old, with photo ID
Be a Salford resident, providing proof of address, dated within the last two months.
Have no access to a suitable device (either a laptop or tablet)
Be in receipt of one of the following income based benefits (you will be asked to provide a copy as proof):
- Income Support: This benefit is no longer open to new claims. Existing claimants can continue to receive it, but new applicants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): This is available for those who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Available for those who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit: This is for people over State Pension age on a low income.
- Universal Credit (not working): Available for those who are out of work or on a low income.
- Universal Credit (working): Eligibility depends on your earnings. The thresholds you mentioned are correct for assessing eligibility.
- Child Tax Credit: Available for those with children, provided they are not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- If you get support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of the above criteria at the event. If you're unable to provide copies you will not be able to receive a device.

Partners

Digital Everyone
BetterOff
Gateway Localities
Corinth Training
Connect Talent
Age Friendly Salford
Employment Hubs
Digital Champions

Digitober - Hamilton Davies Trust - Monday 21 October

100 devices will be gifted to eligible Salford residents at this event on:

Monday 21 October, 12pm – 2pm

Hamilton Davies Trust, 117C Liverpool Road Cadishead, M44 5BG

Are You Eligible?

If you would like to apply for a device you must meet the below criteria and provide evidence of this:

Be over 18 years old, with photo ID
Be a Salford resident, providing proof of address, dated within the last two months.
Have no access to a suitable device (either a laptop or tablet)
Be in receipt of one of the following income based benefits (you will be asked to provide a copy as proof):
- Income Support: This benefit is no longer open to new claims. Existing claimants can continue to receive it, but new applicants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA): This is available for those who are unemployed and actively seeking work.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Available for those who have a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit: This is for people over State Pension age on a low income.
- Universal Credit (not working): Available for those who are out of work or on a low income.
- Universal Credit (working): Eligibility depends on your earnings. The thresholds you mentioned are correct for assessing eligibility.
- Child Tax Credit: Available for those with children, provided they are not also receiving Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.
- If you get support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of the above criteria at the event. If you're unable to provide copies you will not be able to receive a device.

Partners

Digital Everyone
Hamilton Davis Trust
BetterOff
Gateway Localities
Corinth Training
Connect Talent
Age Friendly Salford
Employment Hubs
Digital Champions

Venues

The Big Device Giveaway events will take place at five community pop-up venues across the city, where eligible residents can collect their devices and receive support and guidance. The events are open to anyone who lives in Salford and is receiving any of the above listed means-tested benefits.

Hamilton Davies Trust focuses on Community, Education, Recreation, and Regeneration, supporting the residents of Irlam, Cadishead, and Rixton-with-Glazebrook by enhancing facilities and activities. This enables development, participation, and inclusion.

St Peter's Church

The parish church of Swinton and Pendlebury, St Peter's offers a range of services to its local community including weekly services, evening prayer, hosting the food charity - The Bread and Butter Thing - every Thursday, Heritage Open Days and much more. Please use the above link for more details.

Salford Lads Club logo

Salford Lads and Girls Club has been providing a wide range of activities for local young people and the community for over 100 years. Activities range from boxing sessions for adults and young people, annual camping trips, football, and drama club. Please use the above link for more details.

Little Hulton Library

Little Hulton Library offers a range of activities and services including weekly Stay & Play sessions, a Shared Reading group, Computer and Internet Access, Free WiFi, Holiday Activities for Children and much more. Please use the above link for more details.

The Broughton Hub

Located on Rigby Street, off Bury New Road, the Broughton Hub offers a wide range of community services and facilities including but not limited to:

Internet access and WiFi
Council Services
Library Services
Family Hubs
Citizen's Advice Salford
Youth Centre

Partners

The events will be supported by the organisations listed below, providing essential assistance to Salford residents. When you arrive at the event, please proceed to the BetterOff stall, where the team will check your documents to confirm your eligibility. You will then be directed to receive your device and any additional digital support.

Salford's 'Digital Everyone' is a council led cross-sector collaboration working to create a 100% digitally inclusive city. We want to make sure no one is left behind as digital becomes the way to access services, communicate with organisations and interact with friends and family.

The Bread and Butter Thing is a mobile food club that gives access to nutritious and affordable food taken into the heart of communities starved of money, food and resources. This low cost weekly shop provides essential produce for family eating – fresh fruit and veg, fridge favourites and cupboard staples.

Please show your documents to the team at BetterOff Salford who will confirm your eligibility.

BetterOff Salford is for people who live in the Salford area and who may be eligible to claim benefits and/or need some support to get a job. Do you need support with the following:

are being forced to leave your home
are awaiting trial for a criminal conviction
have complex learning difficulties
have any difficulties with reading and writing
are a young person in care or are about to leave care

Gateway centres

Salford Gateways are a ‘one stop shop’ for a wide range of community services and facilities including:

Adult and children's library service
Council services
Health services
Information and advice
Data Connectivity through SIM Cards
GP surgeries
Hate crime reporting centre

Corinth starts the new academic year (Sept 24) with a range of exciting free courses to eligible Greater Manchester residents. The courses will be delivered from various venues across Salford. Please see link for further details of courses and eligibility.

Connect Talent provides access to ICT and mental health services for women, those with dyslexia and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups across Manchester.

Age Friendly Salford (AFS) adopts a holistic approach to supporting the needs of individuals over 50 across the city, promoting a healthy and active ageing community. AFS provides free training, workshops and programme of activities for older people in the community.

The Salford Employment Hub provides careers, skills and recruitment support to Salford residents and employers, through a range of access points, such as face-to-face delivery, telephone contact and online digital channels available.

Offering important information and guidance to help you stay safe online. Visit the link for tips and advice on protecting yourself and your children while browsing the internet.

Offering digital skills support to Salford residents, from learning how to use a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to specialised assistance with tasks like online shopping, setting up an email address, or staying connected with friends and family.

Salford Community Leisure, run by and for the people of Salford, is committed to enhancing the physical and cultural well-being of the community through sports, library services, and cultural opportunities across 60+ venues throughout the city.

Women with Wings, based in the Little Hulton shopping centre, is an organisation that focuses on empowerment by supporting women in gaining access to training, employment, and self-employment opportunities. They provide a space where individuals can learn new skills, gain qualifications, and start their own businesses

The council has secured over 600 devices from various sources, including donations from local business AJ Bell, government schemes, and its own Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team. The DDaT team has refurbished hundreds of pre-owned laptops that were no longer in use by the council and made them ready for new owners.

Our devices are pre-loaded with Linux operating system to help people get online and learn new skills.

The council recognises that digital inclusion is essential for improving people's lives, especially in the areas of education, employment, health, and wellbeing. Many people in Salford lack the devices, connectivity, or skills to access the internet and the opportunities it offers. The Big Device Giveaway aims to address this gap by giving away free devices and SIM cards, as well as online safety advice from Greater Manchester Police.

In addition to the free devices and SIM cards, the council also offers digital skills support and employment support through its network and Employment Hubs. The digital skills support includes online courses, workshops, and one-to-one sessions to help people learn how to use the internet, email, social media, online banking, and other essential services.

The SIM cards have been generously donated by O2, Vodafone and Three, in partnership with the Good Things Foundation, a social change charity that supports digital inclusion. The SIM cards provide free data plans for low-income families who cannot afford broadband or mobile contracts.

It's first come, first served and we're expecting a big turn out!

But don't worry if you miss out on getting a device - you can still access plenty of support and information at the event. Our team will be on hand to answer your questions, guide you through the available resources, and connect you with services tailored to your needs. Additionally, our website is packed with information on digital support available for Salford residents. So even if you leave without a device, you'll still be equipped with valuable tools and knowledge to help you stay connected and make the most of the digital world.

Older man and younger woman smiling and looking at a smartphone

Free Digital Workshops

To Help You on Your Digital Journey

In our mission to become a digital city, we want to make sure that all Salford residents are not only equipped with a device and internet connectivity but also have the skills and confidence to use their laptop or tablet safely online. That’s why we’ve partnered with Corinth Training to offer digital skills support through workshops taking place in September and October. After each Big Device Giveaway event, we will host a free digital workshop to help you get started with your device.

Sessions will cover:

Basic use of your device
Answer any questions you have about your device
Registering with Learn My Way for online bitesize digital courses
Signposting for additional digital support through the Digital Help Finder Tool

Register here to secure your spot on one of the Digital Skills Workshops.

18 Aug 2024

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About the author

Digital Everyone

The Digital Everyone project is part of Salford’s aim to become a Digital City, an ambition which forms part of our wider vision for a better, fairer Salford to improve resident’s lives.