Laptops donated to children in care in Solihull
Paragon Bank donates 10 laptops and 10 webcams in initiative to support children in care and care-experienced young people.
This donated tech equipment will be distributed to young people in need, to help them with their studies, job searches and housing applications, or other such key activities as they move into adult life.
Photo: Lesley Hurlston, Contracts & Licensing Manager at Paragon Bank, Cllr Karen Grinsell from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, William Hollins, IT Procurement & Asset Analyst at Paragon Bank, Lucy Price, Development Consultant Early Years Lead at Paragon Bank. Photo courtesy of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
This is a serious issue. Care placements typically end when a young person turns 18, by which time they are expected to be fully independent. In reality, without support care leavers can be at greater risk of poverty, mental illness and homelessness. In 2022, 38% of care leavers aged 19-21 were not in education, employment or training (NEET), compared to 11% of all young people of the same age.
The donation of laptops and webcams is just part of a wider initiative to support care leavers in the Solihull region. It’s the result of a partnership between Paragon Bank PLC and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, which began when representatives of the bank attended the council’s first corporate parenting event last November. A first community parenting board was then held on February 28, 2024.
Not all interventions involve tech directly. At the board meeting in February, for example, attendees shared experience, explained how they are already supporting children and young people, and discussed what they might offer in future. This included offering work experience and opportunities for apprenticeships and internships, supporting young people with interview practice and providing experience in skilled trades.
The board meeting included representatives from a wide range of organisations. These were: Balfour Beatty, Barclays Bank, Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Carers Trust Solihull, CAVA, Citizens Advice, Fitcap, GMI Construction Group, Heart Shaped Decisions (CiC), John Lewis Solihull, Paragon Bank, Prologis, Solihull College & University Centre, Solihull Moors Foundation and Support for Life UK. The meeting was co-chaired by Rachael Ward, the council’s assistant director for corporate parenting, as well as by a care-experienced young person.
Any organisations interested in getting involved with the corporate parenting initiative should email communityparenting@solihull.gov.uk
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and Corporate Parenting Lead, says: ‘When a child, for whatever reason, can’t safely stay at home, it is up to the local authority to step in and give them the care, support and stability that they deserve. This is called corporate parenting.
‘Looking after and protecting children is one of the most important jobs that councils do, however there are greater benefits when organisations work together. In Solihull we are developing our approach to corporate parenting and can see the huge benefits of drawing on expertise and opportunities that other businesses, organisations and individuals outside the Council can offer. We call this community parenting.
‘Paragon is just one of many organisations who have stepped up to support us on this journey and we are thrilled to be working with them. We are truly grateful for this donation, and it will make a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children.’
Lucy Price, Development Consultant – Early Careers Lead at Paragon, adds: ‘We have a sustainability strategy and a key part of that involves positively impacting our local communities. Here in Solihull, it’s about helping young people who need a little extra support, by providing them with equipment to aid them with things like their studies, job applications or arranging accommodation. It’s the first time we’ve been involved with a partnership like this and we’re looking forward to seeing the difference this makes for young people on their journeys towards independence.’
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