When you’re juggling everything on your own, it’s often the little things that become the hardest.
Michael is a single dad to several boys, from primary school through to high school. Like a lot of families, he’s just trying to keep things moving, school runs, meals, routines, all while making sure his children have what they need to get on. But one thing kept getting in the way: being online.
We first met Michael at a school drop-in session . He’d come along because his boys were struggling to complete their homework. More and more of school life happens online now, and without a device at home, they were already falling behind.
He’d looked into getting one, but even lower-cost options just weren’t affordable at the time. It’s a situation so many families quietly face, where something that feels essential is still just out of reach. So we worked together to find a way forward, and he started attending the One Manchester drop-in sessions at Gorton Hub.
A device meant the boys could finally log on and take part properly in their schoolwork. Getting connected didn’t stop there though, we helped with mobile data so they could get online straight away, and started looking at longer-term options too, like social tariffs to make home broadband more affordable.
But, there were other hurdles as well. School systems and apps aren’t always straightforward, especially if you’re coming to them fresh. Claire in our team spent some time with Michael going through it all, step by step, helping him feel more confident using the tools his children rely on every day.
What’s changed isn’t just access to a laptop or the internet, it’s the feeling of being able to keep up. The boys can do their homework, Michael has a bit more breathing space, and things feel just that little bit more manageable.
Stories like this are a reminder of how many families are navigating the same challenges. Getting online isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s part of everyday life. And sometimes, a bit of support at the right moment can make all the difference.