National Highways donate laptops to community group for digital and online support

National Highways teams working on an M6 road scheme have donated several laptops to a Warwickshire community group to help young people and those looking for work. 

The Brownsover Community Association (BCA), which is run by volunteers, has been given five new laptops thanks to the project team carrying out essential maintenance at the nearby junction 1 of the M6 in Rugby.

The laptops will enable users of the Buddy Club to search and apply for jobs, write their CVs, apply for benefits online and help sending emails for housing and health services.

Young people who attend the BCA On Track Youth Hub will also be able to use the laptops for their school homework and college coursework or to apply for further education courses and part-time jobs.

Brian Clare, Trustee and Treasurer of the BCA said many of the town’s residents didn’t always have access to computers or internet at home, and added: 

“So much of what we do now is online and lot of the people that we help don’t have the right equipment at home or are at that age where they need help using them.

“The computers we had previously were so slow they were no longer useable, and new equipment is expensive, so having this donation means we can spend our money on other vital services we offer instead, such as the warm food and drink hubs we run and community events.”

The On Track Youth Hub, which runs structured sport and recreational sessions for 10-25-year-olds, as well as mentoring programmes and workshops, will have music software downloaded onto one of the laptops for its music recording sessions. 

Kevin Brookes, who runs the club, said supporting the creativity and education of young people in Brownsover is a large part of their work. 

“A lot of the young people are creative and want to express themselves with music, which they haven’t been able to do previously,” he said. “Having the laptops downloaded with the right software gives them a chance to develop their creativity with music and pushes them to try new things.

“Many of the youngsters haven’t got laptops at home either or the support with homework so our after-school homework club gives them an opportunity to do that with us, and we have seen their levels of detention at school reduced. These are all things that will open them up to greater opportunities in life.”

National Highways carried out bridge repairs at M6 junction 1 near Brownsover throughout 2025. The work formed part of its wider maintenance programme to extend the lifespan of the junction and improve safety. Additional bridge works are expected to start in April this year.

The laptops are refurbished National Highways equipment which have been donated as part of the organisation’s mission to integrate social value work into its operations and create positive change and investment in the communities close to its projects.  

Simon Wagstaff, project manager for National Highways said: 

“The M6 Junction 1 improvement work we carried out was not just about upgrading infrastructure within the Brownsover area. It was also about creating lasting benefits for the local community, and it’s been a privilege to support the BCA and the invaluable work they do. 

"The BCA is about building a strong community in Brownsover, providing a warm, welcoming space for residents and social interaction. Their programmes like the Buddy Club and the On Track Youth Hub provide vital digital access, skills and employment opportunities, empowering residents and young people to connect, learn, and thrive within their community."