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Walsall Connected Annual Report - Year Four The WM Together Device Allocation Project with Walsall Connected

The WM Together Device Allocation Project, delivered by Walsall Connected in partnership with WM5G and local stakeholders, demonstrates how effective partnership working can maximise funding and target digital exclusion. By using £20,000 of WM5G funding and working with Coventry Council’s Cov Connect recycling scheme, the project delivered 120 high-specification recycled laptops. This aligned digital inclusion with sustainability and improved access to essential online services for residents most at risk of digital exclusion.

The initiative plays a key role in improving access to essential online services and reducing digital exclusion.

Partnership Working and Collaboration

The success of the project was driven by a strong, joined-up partnership model. Walsall Connected worked collaboratively with trusted local delivery partners to ensure devices were allocated to those most in need.

Delivery partners

  • Schools: Hillary Primary School, Croft Academy and Shire Oak.
  • Walsall Council: Young Persons Team.
  • Manor Farm Community Association: Motivational Hub, Transition Hub, Employability, Silver Service and Digital Divide.
  • Moxley People’s Centre Charity.

Funding and value

£20,000 of funding was received to deliver 120 high-specification recycled laptops through a strategic partnership with Coventry City Council and the Cov Connect recycling programme. The devices represented an estimated £120,000 retail value, based on £1,000 per device, and significant cost avoidance. A basic digital skills training manual was developed to support delivery, with each device supporting digital upskilling.

Beneficiaries

More than 100 children benefited through school-based allocations, with 45 devices distributed across three schools to support homework, blended learning and digital education access. A further 45 devices were allocated to adults facing digital skills gaps, additional learning needs and employability barriers through Manor Farm Community Association.

A further 20 devices supported young people in temporary accommodation in partnership with Walsall Council’s Young Persons Team, and 10 devices strengthened a newly established youth provision at Moxley People’s Centre Charity. Overall, an estimated 250 or more adults and children will benefit through direct or shared household use and ongoing access through youth and community provision.

Sustainability impacts

All devices were sourced through Coventry City Council’s Cov Connect recycling programme, extending the lifespan of high-quality business laptops while supporting regional sustainability objectives. This approach delivered strong value for money and increased the overall project reach.

Environmental impact

The 120 devices prevented approximately 31 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The report presents this as equivalent to:

  • 36,438 kilometres travelled by a heavy goods vehicle.
  •  698 nightly hotel stays.
  • 102,482 kilometres of business flights.