“In Salford we are committed to ensuring digital inclusion is at the forefront of what we do. Salford’s Digital Inclusion service and our partners help residents all year round to ensure they are getting the support they need. 

“As the world around us becomes increasingly digital, it’s vital we continue to provide our residents access to essential technology and skills. We want to ensure no one is left behind and the support we’re able to provide through our Digital Inclusion team makes a real difference to people’s learning and skills development, and their ability to access a wide range of services and support online.”

“Bridging the digital divide in Salford and supporting residents who are digitally excluded is vital. Having access to a digital device makes a huge difference to the lives of our residents.

"Empowering residents with the tools and skills they need to safely navigate the online world and ensure that residents have access and capacity to use digital technologies is crucial.

“This work forms part of our city’s ambition to become a Digital City, an ambition which forms part of our wider vision and corporate plan for a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.”

“This scheme shows the council’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. By providing essential technology and training to our residents, we are not only driving forward digital literacy but also ensuring that everyone in Greater Manchester has the opportunity to access the benefits of an increasingly digital world. Digital inclusion is crucial for social equity, economic growth, and community well-being, and initiatives like the Big Device Giveaway are pivotal in driving forward our vision of a digitally inclusive society.”

"I am incredibly proud to have been a part of the Big Device Giveaway, an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by gifting devices to those in need. This event has truly showcased the spirit of Salford, as we witnessed first hand the positive impact it has on our community.

Meeting so many wonderful people who were genuinely appreciative of the support was heart-warming. The smiles, the laughter, and the true spirit of Salford shone through in every interaction. Our Salford team made us proud, and I am honoured to be part of such a team and deliver a meaningful scheme that brings tangible benefits to the residents of Salford."

"Since 2021, AJ Bell have been refurbishing and donating 100’s of used company laptops to local schools, hospitals and charities to help bridge the digital divide that exists in our community. By rejuvenating and passing on our laptops, we're fostering a culture of sustainability at the same time as giving people in our community the opportunity to expand their horizons and shoot for the stars. In this digital age, a computer can be a window to the world but many people can’t afford one.”

"I loved being able to help out on the device giveaway days. It was really rewarding seeing how happy people were to receive the device they had picked.

One lady was so overwhelmed as she was able to get a tablet for her daughter's birthday and another gentleman was near to tears as the phone and SIM card helped him to contact family and he could start to look for work."

"It was truly heartening to hear first hand from the local community about how these devices will enhance their future and provide essential support for their daily needs."

"I enjoyed the day at Little Hulton. I thought it was very well organised which meant that the event ran smoothly. It was nice to be able to help members of the community in this way."

"I really enjoyed being part of the Device give away. We didn’t know what to except at the first one in Swinton, but everyone pulled together and made the event a success. It just got better and better for each event. The best thing was seeing how happy and thankful the people who received devices where, and I was proud to be a part of it." 

"I've done a couple of events, one queue busting at Broughton and then doing the applications in Cadishead.

At both events I felt there was a genuine sense of excitement in the air. The people I spoke to were so grateful to receive the devices and there was a real variety in what they were going to be used for.

It was the perfect mix of recycling our equipment and it being gifted to the eligible residents in the city who need it the most... looking forward to the next event!"

"I attended the Big Device Giveaway, and I feel from my perspective the event went down incredibly well. Me and my colleague gave out the sims quickly and in my opinion the process ran smoothly and efficiently. This giveaway resulted in a lot of people now having access to online devices, which is important in these times as it gives people the option to keep in contact online and gives them an opportunity to use things such as social media and the web. Everyone was pleased with the service, and it put a smile on a lot of peoples faces. I would volunteer again without a doubt!"

"I volunteered at four of the events and enjoyed them all. It was great interacting with the communities in different areas and being able to help people get digital access. The people I spoke to were so grateful and happy to be receiving the devices, many of them needing devices for their children’s education and just other day to day things that we have access to and might take for granted.

The event was well organised and successful with people also being able to sign up to digital workshops to help them further, Karen has done an amazing job!"

"I enjoyed taking part in the Big Device Giveaway events. It was so lovely to take some time out and get to speak to the residents of Salford and see how grateful they were for the devices they received. It was busy few hours handing everything out, but it was fun!

All our roles working for Salford are important, but you don't always get to see the impact directly so was lovely to take part in such a positive project and the see first hand the difference it makes to people."