We have provided funding for 50 laptops to Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Widnes to support students with online learning.  

The laptops will be distributed to students without access to IT equipment at home and will support them with their online studies, whether that be homework, coursework, or should they need to self-isolate. 

Around 1.8m children in the UK did not have access to a laptop, desktop computer or tablet at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The funding forms part of our first neighbourhood-focussed programme ‘Destination Ditton’.  

Launched earlier this year, the programme aims to create lasting improvements, bringing communities together, and create opportunities for customers in all of our neighbourhoods over the coming years.  

Cheryl McCabe, our Social Impact Officer said: “For thousands of children across the UK, one of the most challenging aspects of the past year has been finding the means to complete their school work.  Although schools have returned, there is still a great need for devices and equipment. While local children are facing barriers to learning in the current climate, for these 50 children at Ormiston Chadwick Academy technology will no longer be one of them.” 

Nikki Johnson, Vice Principal - Curriculum said: “Ormiston Chadwick Academy are extremely grateful to the funding provided by Halton Housing for the purchase of 50 laptops.  The support that they have given us, has enabled some of our less fortunate students experience a quality learning environment at home. Having been through more than 12 months of COVID restrictions and lockdowns, our students have had to face many barriers in adapting to learning remotely. Being given the resources to do so effectively has enabled them to achieve and succeed.” 

To find out more about the Destination Ditton programme, including how to get involved visit https://www.haltonhousing.co.uk/get-involved/destination-programme/destination-ditton.