The homeless and others without internet access in Cornwall will be loaned laptops and tablets.

The Cornish council said the initiative, involving homeless charity St Petrocs, would help those who lack connectivity “many of us take for granted.”

St Petrocs allegedly lent devices to those it was supporting and providing training, the council said.

This would allow access to employment and health services, he added.

The council said around 13% of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly residents in 2019 had never used the internet and a quarter of adults lack basic digital skills, with many not having access to the kind of connectivity that many of take us for granted. ”

“As education, healthcare and other services are increasingly online, it is imperative that they are not left behind,” he added.

The board said its digital inclusion team has trained six staff members from St Petrocs to help with the technology.

The initiative would also see devices lent through partner organizations “in exchange for data on the impact the new kit is having,” he added.

Melissa Winstanley, of St Petrocs, said, “Many of our customers do not have access to IT.

“They want to be able to improve their skills, which in the future will help them find suitable courses and progress towards a suitable job.”

Cornish council cabinet member Richard Pears said the authority is keen to work with more partners on the scheme and said any organization is eligible to apply.

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