Wesleyan pledges £50,000 to tackle pupil digital poverty

Financial services specialist Wesleyan is donating £50,000 to tackle digital poverty within schools.

This is part of a wider £1m ‘mutual support package’ - donated by Wesleyan to the Wesleyan Foundation -which will be shared across charities and community groups throughout 2021. It will help front-line critical workers in need of equipment and funding amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

The £50,000 will go to the Titan Partnership, a Birmingham based education charity campaigning to end tech poverty by ensuring that every child has access to online technology during the pandemic. This will be Wesleyan’s second donation to this cause in the last 12 months.

The Wesleyan Wellbeing hub, an online platform which offers free 24/7 health and wellbeing support, will also remain in place throughout 2021 for members and customers who need additional support.

Titan Partnership CEO, Carolyn Chapman-Lees, said:  "The coronavirus crisis is highlighting the invisible barrier to learning caused by digital poverty which is leaving many children behind.

“Wesleyan’s support came at a pivotal time as teachers and pupils were adapting to new ways of working. This has made a big difference to many children. I am delighted that, with Wesleyan’s ongoing support, we will continue to provide devices for children and families most in need.”

Through its Foundation, Wesleyan continues to support charitable organisations providing support to doctors, dentists and teachers including NHS Practitioner Health, Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, Dental Health Support Programme.

Charities and community groups in need of funding can apply to the Wesleyan Foundation for a grant to support their work.

Mario Mazzocchi, Wesleyan Group Chief Executive said: “Many of our customers are on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic dealing with immense pressures and challenges every day. They are our covid-heroes and Wesleyan will continue to look for more ways to support them at this crucial time.

“In addition to the financial advice we offer, our mutuality means we can invest in helping the professions we serve in other ways and as we enter our 180th year, it has never been more important to do so. We have listened to our customers and this package of support is intended to focus on areas in urgent need of help such as the mental health of our doctors and digital poverty within schools. We hope that the support we can offer will help to ease some of the pressures brought on by Covid-19."