A NORTHWICH mum has launched a campaign to get unwanted laptops and equipment to children who need them for home schooling during lockdown.

Laura McGarty, a mother of two, said she felt moved to try and help children and families who might be struggling to provide all the equipment they require.

With the help of fellow Winnington and Castle residents Lee Siddall and Natalie Godwin, Laura says the response since launching the scheme on Monday (January 11) has been really encouraging.

She said: "I only came up with the idea last Friday.

"I reached out to Lee as I know he's done a lot of fundraising initiatives in the past.

"There's been quite a lot of noise on social media about families struggling to provide their kids with everything they need for home schooling.

"I knew the problem was there, but had no idea just how dire it was for some people.

"The original idea I came up with was to provide a home learning resources pack.

"But then it also became clear that people are really struggling with laptops and tablets because everything is being done online now.

"Although there are lots of schools supplying at least one laptop per family, it's not great for those households with more than one school aged child.

"Having to share and getting online at certain times for lessons, there's a lot of clashes going on which is creating a lot of pressure for parents, so we thought we'd try and alleviate that a little bit.

With the potential issue of previously owned laptops being given to children to use, The Ink Doctor in Northwich town centre has agreed to wipe and format each device donated, to ensure they are safe to do so.

In addition to the laptops being made safe, all donated equipment will also be quarantined for a period of 72 hours before being re-distributed, so as to adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines.

"We really appreciate that brilliant gesture by the Ink Doctor, because we know it's being professionally done," said Laura.

"It was such a surprise that he offered his services for free, especially at the moment when so many small businesses are struggling.

"Other people have offered to do free printing for school work and I just hope people coming together like this can have a positive impact on people's lives."

Northwich Guardian: Laura McGarty pcitured here with nine month old daughter Harper has launched the home schooling help campaign.

Laura McGarty pictured here with nine month old daughter Harper has launched the home schooling help campaign.

With home schooling likely to be in place until at least the middle of February, it isn't just computer equipment that is being requested, with stationery items such as pens, highlighters and work books also in demand.

"If anyone also has any little whiteboards and pens, because kids are used to using them in the classroom and they're a little bit more engaging," added Laura.

"Not everything has to be done on a computer.

"If we can make it easier for children and parents to sit together and do the work, that would be brilliant.

"There are plenty of people out there who are struggling, whether they've been furloughed or have multiple school aged children and just can't provide all these things.

"It's just not realistic for people to be expected to have all the items needed to do home schooling effectively.

"We will distribute the packs to the local schools and then parents of children needing help can access them directly."

In order to keep control of numbers, Laura said she is keep the scheme within the Castle and Winnington areas at the moment.

If you would like donate to the Home Schooling Help Campaign, a JustGiving page has been set up where people can either make a donation for supplies to be purchased or you contact the group further.