Campaign for Free WiFi

Posted in Projects by Salford Youth Council - Sep 15, 2009

Salford Youth Council believes the lack of access to the internet is playing a significant role in holding back access to opportunites. Young people tend to be most disadvantaged by this as the internet can play a crucial role in their educational attainment and access to otherwise difficult to access services such as peer support, advocacy and social opportunities.

Although many of them still have a computer, netbook or wifi enabled phone. Our survey of local young people revealed while many of them regularly use the internet at school or at friends houses they do not have a connection at home. Families tell us they would be more likely to invest in a computer at home if they had a free internet connection.

What are we calling for?

- Free WiFi internet access for the poorest communities in Salford.
- Partnerships with the public, private and voluntary sector to support local schemes.
- Encouragement for community groups to apply for ICT funding.
- Training and skills to enable all members of the community to get online.

So where do we start?

We have been campaigning to get the poorest areas of Salford connected first, with a focus on assisting large households getting online. Inner-city areas such as Broughton, Blackfriars, Charlestown, Kersal, Langworthy, Ordsall and Pendleton are areas identified with having the highest need, along with Irlam, Weaste and Little Hulton.

Broughton has been identified as the most deprived ward in the city of Salford. It is also the fifth poorest area of the country and has the highest rates of long-term unemployment and anti-social behaviour. 80% of children live in households entirely dependant on state benefits and GSCE attainment is substantially below the city and national average.

We believe free WiFi internet for disadvantaged local communities would be a remarkable step forward and play a major role in advancing social mobility of a very large number of people.

Support our campaign!

We will hear if our funding bid to bring free WiFi to the people of Broughton has been successful on 1st October 2009. We will also be announcing other areas to benefit from this project over the next few months.

For more information contact Rachel Cavendish or David Henry on 0161 408 2342 or drop us an email council@salfordyouth.org.uk

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