When a local mum of two was referred to Starting Point, the family was facing a challenge that is becoming increasingly common. Without access to a suitable laptop or smartphone, everyday tasks that many of us take for granted had become difficult.

For the kids, completing homework and accessing online learning resources was a struggle. For their mum, staying in touch with the support services that were helping the family was becoming increasingly challenging. With household budgets already stretched, buying new devices simply wasn’t an option.

After talking through the family’s circumstances, our team was able to provide both a laptop thanks to the wonderful donations from Community Computers, and a smartphone, fully prepared and ready to use thanks to fantastic Hubbub. Almost immediately, the difference was clear.

The laptop has opened up new opportunities for the kids, allowing them to complete schoolwork at home, access learning resources and build important digital skills. Having a reliable device means they can participate more fully in their education and no longer feel left behind because of a lack of technology.

Meanwhile, the smartphone has given their mum a lifeline to the services and professionals supporting the family. She is now able to receive important updates, attend appointments, access information and communicate quickly when help is needed.

While two devices might seem like a small intervention, for this family they have made a significant difference. They have reduced barriers to education, strengthened connections with support services and helped the family feel more included in an increasingly digital world.

At Starting Point, we know that digital exclusion is about much more than technology. It is about opportunity, confidence and ensuring that no family is left behind. Because access to the digital world should never depend on what someone can afford, we call it digital equity.