Wimbledon

Connecting Merton

Need help improving your digital skills? 

Wimbledon Guild and Merton Library and Heritage Service have launched Connecting Merton - a project helping vulnerable and isolated people in Merton take advantage of the opportunities that being online offers, including connecting with family and friends. 

The innovative project aims to reduce digital exclusion in the borough. Vulnerable or isolated residents in Merton will be able to borrow a laptop or tablet on loan from Merton Libraries for up to three months.

Tech-savvy volunteers will support residents taking part in the scheme and help them to get online. Support will be offered remotely and, when possible, in-person within libraries. As well as 1:1 support, residents will be able to attend IT courses run by Merton Adult Learning to develop their digital skills.

Who can borrow a device?

To borrow a device, you must:

  • Be a vulnerable Merton resident aged 18+
  • Have a Merton library card in good standing, which means: no outstanding fines or fees, or history of lost items    
  • Be able to provide photo ID when you borrow the device, or two forms of non-photo ID such as bank statement, NI card etc.

Terms and conditions

The main terms of the loan are:

  • Maximum of one device to be borrowed per person at a time
  • Three-month loan period with the option of renewing for a further three-month loan (maximum two renewals) if there is no one else waiting to borrow
  • If lost or damaged, charges will be applied depending on the device you've borrowed
  • Borrowers will need to sign a loan agreement form and agree to the Terms and Conditions of use

Register your interest

Help out or donate a device

We are currently looking for IT Support volunteers to get involved in this project, so if you have some free time, would like to help others get online, and build your confidence at the same time, click here for details. 

Do you have a device you'd like to donate? We're always looking for donated laptops or tablets which are less than 7 years old. If you can help, please get in touch

Help us make sure that no one in Merton has to face life's challenges alone

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