#Chances4Children: Islington Council pledges free wi-fi for care leavers
Neil Puffett
Monday, March 22, 2021
Islington Council has become the first local authority in England to offer young people leaving care wi-fi broadband access for the first 12 months they live independently.
The move will offer a boost to around 60 children who leave care in Islington each year.
The council said the offer, which is a central element of the Keep Care Leavers Connected campaign run by charity the Care Leavers National Movement (CLNM), will provide vital help at time when care leavers are learning to find their feet in the world and live independently.
CLNM has warned that, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, care leavers are more isolated than ever before and are relying on a virtual network of support, but for some this isn’t possible due to a lack of internet access.
It wants all care leavers across the country receive 12 months free wi-fi at the point they transition into independent living as part of every local authority’s offer to care leavers.
Michelline Ngongo, the council’s lead member for children, young people and families, said: “As the Keep Care Leavers Connected campaign makes clear, access to wi-fi broadband at home is not a luxury in today’s world – it’s particularly vital in enabling young people to live independently and fully participate in society.
“So many elements of modern life have moved online, whether that’s getting help to set up a business, applying for jobs or online courses, staying in touch with friends or even simple things like registering for banking and council services.
“So it’s only fair that our care leavers are able to get online at home without having to worry about the cost. We’re proud to be the first council in the country to ensure they get this helping hand, enabling them to flourish in the next phase of their lives – and call on others to follow our lead.”
Ibrahim Hassan Ali, chair of the CLNM and an Islington care leaver himself, said: “It’s great to see Islington step up to the plate on such an important issue. This commitment means future care leavers will be able to stay digitally connected with each other and wider society.
“This will be a huge boost for future care leavers in the borough, who now have one less thing to worry about. They can devote their time and energy to building an independent life for themselves – to update that online CV, apply for that job, take that college course, manage those finances and stay in touch with friends.
“I'm really proud of how Islington has led the way and backed our campaign, and look forward to seeing other councils following in their footsteps.”
CLNM is part of The National House Project, a charity helping local councils including Islington to better support care leavers.
Its chief executive Mark Warr said young people identified the challenges arising from not being digitally connected and drove the digital poverty campaign to improve the way young people are supported when they leave care.
“Young people made a powerful video and we are awaiting a debate on digital poverty for care leavers in Westminster Hall to highlight the issues and seek change,” he said.
“We are delighted therefore that Islington is the first local authority from the House Project community to make this digital offer available to all their young people when they first leave care. We hope this is the first of many.”
