A Birmingham-based outsourcing firm, Sigma Connected, has donated 20 laptops to The Refugee & Migrant Centre charity in a bid to help refugees and migrants across the West Midlands improve their digital skills, access online training, and enhance their employment opportunities.
The donation, which includes new hard drives funded by Sigma Connected’s Community Foundation, will provide the charity with much-needed IT equipment to support its work with disadvantaged communities. Two of the laptops will be used for administrative purposes, while the remaining devices will be made available to clients seeking jobs or looking to further their education.
Sigma Connected, a leading provider of contact centre services across multiple sectors including utilities, retail, telecommunications, and financial services, has long supported local charitable initiatives. Peter Hopgood-Gravett, Director of Compliance, Risk and Audit at the company, explained the significance of the donation: “The Refugee & Migrant Centre has been doing incredible work for years, and we’re thrilled to be able to support their mission in a new way by donating IT equipment. These laptops will help the charity’s clients stay connected, access training, and assist with their job searches.”
The Refugee & Migrant Centre provides vital services to refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers across Birmingham and the Black Country. With a team of 110 staff and over 50 volunteers who speak more than 45 languages, the charity has supported tens of thousands of people from 148 different nationalities since its inception in 1999.
Steven Bayliss, Regional Employment, Training and Education Manager at The Refugee & Migrant Centre, expressed his gratitude for the donation. “The ongoing support from Sigma Connected has been fantastic. The new laptops have arrived at the perfect time as we begin a new project in the Black Country aimed at improving digital skills. This will make a significant difference for both our volunteers and the clients we serve. These laptops will enable them to access job opportunities, online education, and essential resources to improve their lives.”
Sigma Connected’s previous charitable contributions include a donation of 30 laptops to Blackburn House, a women’s support charity in Liverpool, last September. The laptops were used by women undertaking online education courses and re-engaging with society.
Stuart King, Senior Logistics Manager at Sigma Connected, expressed hope that further donations will follow. “We’re looking forward to sending more laptops as we replace old ones in the coming months. It’s humbling to know that these devices will benefit those who need them the most.”
The Refugee & Migrant Centre plays a critical role in providing support to people facing challenges such as asylum claims, refugee status, and securing employment. The charity helps individuals rebuild their lives in the UK, offering everything from legal advice to employment assistance.
For more information on The Refugee & Migrant Centre, visit their website at www.rmcentre.org.uk.