Three organisations working in the Black Country are celebrating receiving a third year of funding from software giant Microsoft that will help them continue their efforts to reach out to some of the region's most isolated people.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), PRIME, a charity that help people over 50 set up their own businesses, and the Black Country Consortium have received approximately £250,000 to help them continue their work introducing new digital technology which opens doors to education and work.
The new funding is part of Microsoft's Unlimited Potential Programme, a scheme to regenerate areas most in need around the world through improved communications.
RNIB has received funding to train people who work in community learning centres and small businesses in the Black Country about the needs of blind and partially sighted people, and some of the technology they use to help them in their daily lives. It is hoped the training will lead to blind people having more opportunities to get education and training, to help them gain employment in the region.
Sue Huyton, RNIB Regional Manager for the West Midlands, says: "Helping get blind and partially sighted people playing active roles in the community is a key aim of RNIB, and Microsoft's support helps us further our practical work to break down the barriers that stop people getting into education and the workplace.
"This scheme is already helping to bring in new ideas and open doors for blind and partially sighted people. We're delighted that Microsoft is keen to continue to support us for a third year."
The third year of Microsoft's work with PRIME aims to unlock entrepreneurialism in the over 50s in the Black Country by helping this group return to employment through setting up their own businesses.
Laurie South, Chief Executive of PRIME, whose local offices are based in Walsall, says: "We need to see a fundamental shift in attitudes towards older people and society needs to be more open to the talents and invaluable experience older people can provide to the UK. Through our now 3rd year partnership with Microsoft, we can continue to build our presence in the Black Country to provide practical and financial support to even more over 50s throughout the area."
Microsoft support will also help develop the Black Country Consortium's ICT Gateway of 135 learning centres in the region. The ICT Gateway's objective is to get to those hard to reach individuals and get them digitally included by skilling them. Eventually they will be able to use the resources to find and apply for jobs online, get information about local authority services, access health information, pay bills online, learn how to take digital photographs, keep in touch with friends and family and much more.
Marilyn Burrill, Digital Inclusion Manager for the Black Country Consortium, says: "Particularly in the current economic situation, the most disadvantaged people in our community benefit enormously from being given the opportunity to learn to use modern information technology.
"Microsoft's knowledge of new developments, willingness to share their expertise and well as the software offers for local charities and their Microsoft Volunteer programme will all help us to develop an efficient and effective local network of Centres, that can really make an impact on reducing Digital Exclusion across the Black Country."
Matt Lambert, Director of Corporate Affairs and Citizenship for Microsoft, says: "Microsoft is committed to making a difference in the Black Country and we are delighted to commit our third year of support of this important project for the region. Partnering with Black Country Consortium, RNIB and PRIME, we are working to prove the economic and educational opportunity that technology can bring to individuals and businesses in the area."
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For more information or to talk to an RNIB spokesperson, please contact Gary Hartley, RNIB press office, on 020 7391 2223. Out of hours mobile: 07968 482812
Notes to editors:
RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.