People and communities
Digital skills boost for women’s organisation in Walsall thanks to donation scheme
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A community organisation supporting women’s education and employment in Walsall have been donated 10 laptops to support more people to develop their digital skills.
The Aaina Community Hub, based in the heart of the St Matthew’s, has been supporting women from all backgrounds since its establishment in 1997 by local Asian women. Created to challenge the exclusion of disadvantaged women from mainstream services, the hub has grown into a culturally sensitive, multilingual space offering education, health support, and personal development in a safe and welcoming environment.
In December 2024, Walsall Council’s digital and technology services team launched an IT donation scheme for charities and education providers, and the team also has worked closely with suppliers to see how their contracts can support social value projects in Walsall.
This work has enabled a supplier, Specialist Computer Centres plc (SCC), in partnership with Lenovo, to donate 10 brand-new laptops to the Aaina hub.
The donation represents a major boost for Aaina’s mission to empower women and promote inclusion. The new laptops will help service users improve their digital skills and English language abilities, enabling them to participate more fully in modern life.
The hub is also a Walsall Connected Centre, which means it plays a vital role in helping residents access council services and get support with online tasks such as form-filling, benefit applications, and navigating digital platforms. This status brings direct benefits to the local community by reducing digital exclusion and ensuring that those who need extra support can get it face-to-face in a trusted local setting.
The hub will also support staff in delivering vital services and manage day-to-day operations more effectively. Until now, the hub has relied on older and unsuitable technology, and the donation means the hub can increase their capacity to run digital classes and support learners.
The partnership with SCC reflects the power of public-private collaboration to tackle local issues and bring about meaningful change in Walsall.
“ This donation from SCC & Lenovo is a brilliant example of how businesses can drive real change in our communities. Access to digital tools is no longer a luxury – it’s a lifeline. These laptops will make a real difference to the lives of women who rely on the incredible support offered by Aaina. We’re proud to work with partners like SCC who share our vision for an inclusive, digitally empowered Walsall. “
“ This initiative highlights the power of partnership between local government and the private sector. It’s about more than just hardware – it’s about unlocking opportunities and enabling community organisations like Aaina to thrive in the digital age. We thank SCC for their support and look forward to more collaborations that help bridge the digital divide in Walsall. “
“ This generous donation from SCC is a huge boost for Aaina Community Hub and the people we support. These laptops will not only help our service users improve their digital and English language skills, but they will also allow our staff to carry out their work more effectively. The new equipment means we can expand our computer classes and replace outdated devices that have been holding us back. For many women in our community, this will be their first chance to learn how to use a laptop—from basic navigation to booking GP appointments and accessing public services online. In today’s digital world, this kind of access is essential. Having a committed partner like SCC strengthens our mission to empower women through education, health support, and practical life skills, and we’re excited about the long-term impact this partnership will bring. “
