Fujitsu and Libraries NI have partnered with local homeless charity, Simon Community NI to donate and install 50 internet ready PC Kiosks across its network which will enable the charity’s clients to securely access important online services. The project was officially launched today at Simon Community NI’s Antrim Road Community Resource Hub.
Simon Community NI provides emergency accommodation, advice and community support for people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless. The new Internet PC Kiosks are in the process of being installed across the charity’s network of accommodation and resource hubs and will be used by clients to freely and securely access many important online facilities including benefits information, support services and job applications.
Following a recent technical investment and refresh of the Libraries NI IT systems carried out by Fujitsu, it was identified that while the desktops were no longer suitable for their business use, some would be suitable for re-deployment and use by non-business organisations. Fujitsu has been working with Simon Community NI in Northern Ireland as its corporate charity and believed they could be put to good use by its clients following refurbishment.
Speaking about the initiative Chris James, Director of Delivery, Fujitsu said;
“Having worked with Simon Community NI closely over the last year we understood the importance of connectivity for their clients, many who by their circumstances have found it difficult to access the important benefits of online communications, something which the majority of us take for granted. We are delighted that this initiative will now make it easier for Simon Community NI clients to stay connected and provide access to online services such as NI Direct to apply for housing benefit, to apply for a driving licence, search for jobs and as a means to communicate with friends and family via the internet.”
Irene Knox, Chief Executive, Libraries NI said;
“At the heart of our recent ICT investment project was the desire to promote equality and tackle poverty and social exclusion, by greatly improving the public computer and internet access we provide to local people. While this project has been very successful ensuring Libraries will remain relevant and valuable to the local communities they serve, we are delighted that even through the legacy computers we have been able to support the great work of Simon Community NI and deliver important access and connectivity to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Paddy McGettigan, Director of Homelessness Services, Simon Community NI said;
“When our charity partners Fujitsu first approached us with the idea for the Internet Kiosk PC project, we were delighted and worked together to determine how best to re-purpose the desktops for use by our clients. Following the success of the initial pilot project, we now look forward to rolling the rest out over 22 Simon Community NI sites as broadband becomes available in project accommodation. Already we have seen the value they have delivered for our clients, with many making use of Internet PC Kiosks to access information on employment and benefits and to sharpen up their essential skills. We would like to thank Libraries NI and Fujitsu for both their generosity and foresight in supporting our work.”
