Launceston debt charity’s laptop appeal answered by two councillors

A single extra laptop does not sound like much. But for a small charity trying to see more people through the same few doors, it is the difference between one volunteer working and two working at once. That is what Community Money Advice Launceston has just gained, thanks to Community Chest funding from two local councillors.

Where the money came from

Community Money Advice, known as CMA, applied for the funding back in April. The award, granted by Cllr Adam Paynter and Cllr Adrian Parsons, covers the cost of a new laptop for the charity’s office. The additional machine means volunteers can work at the same time rather than in turn, making fuller use of the charity’s private consultation spaces and freeing them to help more residents.

Centre Manager Sarah Vinson welcomed the support. “We are incredibly grateful that two of our local councillors are able to support our work this year,” she said. “These funds will allow us to purchase an additional laptop, allowing volunteers to work simultaneously, maximising our private office spaces to help more residents. This really will be a great benefit to us as a charity.”

Why a laptop matters for debt advice

CMA offers help with budgeting, debt advice and support, and benefit claiming. More and more of that work now happens online. Dealing with any form of officialdom increasingly means using the internet, and that is a problem for the people most likely to need help. Around 1 in 7 people do not have internet access or are not confident using a computer, which makes services like CMA’s harder to do without.

The charity frames the new equipment as a way to stop that gap widening. Chair of CMA Trustees Nigel Parker put it plainly. “We are so fortunate to have such support from our local councillors that is allowing both us and our clients to have access to the latest and most modern technology,” he said. “No longer do we feel that we are disadvantaged by having outdated equipment. Expressing our ‘thanks’ through this medium may appear inadequate, but I can assure you that all our clients, and the team, are extremely grateful.”