Need to talk to someone right now? Call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night. In an emergency, call 999.
A laptop
If you can't afford a computer, we may be able to give you a refurbished laptop for free. It comes with free, secure software for the web, email, video calls, documents and schoolwork.
Email help@akuadora.net and tell us:
- your first name and roughly where you live (town or postcode area),
- who the laptop is for (you, a child at school, someone looking for work),
- and anything else you'd like us to know.
We depend on donated laptops, so sometimes there is a wait. We'll always tell you honestly what we can do.
Help going online
We can help you:
- set up an email address and get on Wi-Fi,
- fill in online forms, like Universal Credit, job applications and council forms,
- use your laptop or phone safely, and spot scam messages.
Email us to arrange help. We'll never ask for your passwords or bank details.
Money and benefits
Many people are entitled to support they don't claim. A benefits check takes about 15 minutes and is free:
- Benefits calculators on GOV.UK: official list of free, independent calculators
- Turn2us benefits calculator, which also helps you find grants from charities
- entitledto
Have your bank statements, payslips and rent details to hand. We're happy to go through it with you.
Debt, housing and food
These organisations give free, expert advice. Debt advice in the UK is regulated, so for debt please go to them rather than to us:
- Debt: StepChange or National Debtline
- Advice on almost anything: Citizens Advice (England and Wales), Citizens Advice Scotland, Advice NI
- Housing and homelessness: Shelter, or Shelter Scotland
- Food: find a food bank near you (Trussell)
Cutting costs
- Cheaper broadband and phone: if you get Universal Credit or certain other benefits, you can usually switch to a much cheaper "social tariff". See Ofcom's list of social tariffs.
- Free software: you don't need to pay for office software or antivirus. Our laptops come with free alternatives, and we can show you how to use them on your own computer too.
- Before you pay for a repair: ask us. Slow or "broken" computers can often be fixed for free.
IT skills for work
Want to learn how computers work, or try Linux? We can help you take your first steps, at your own pace. No experience or qualifications needed. Email us to say you're interested.