Free internet for families is helping to ‘tackle isolation’ at an asylum and refugee centre in Darwen.

Opus Broadband has partnered with community groups across the region and is donating 20 per cent of its network for free to a range of causes. 
 
One of those is the Darwen Asylum Refugee Enterprise (DARE) which provides a drop-in service for the refugee and asylum seeker community. 
 
It meets at the Central United Reformed Church.

DARE has linked up with the North West broadband company to offer families in need free internet as many were unable to get connected.

Emily Jones, from the integration and community engagement team, said: “It is really fantastic.

"We are always looking to make sure that people who are new to the borough are well connected

“The more digitally included people can be, the better it is from our point of view. We just don't want people being isolated.”

Chair of the Darwen Asylum Refugee Enterprise John EastChair of Darwen Asylum Refugee Enterprise, John East, said the free internet donation has assisted around 400 people since it was installed.

He said: “As far as I'm concerned, it might be unique in the whole of the country.

"No other local authority, no other town, no other local community project has managed to engage with that amount of people.

“People will get the benefits of being able to go online to access various services, education and help improve their health and well-being, services that are vital for their everyday lives.”

The charity says hundreds of people have benefited from the offerOpus Broadband said the ‘Internet for Everyone’ scheme was introduced to help bridge the digital divide across towns and cities in the North West.

A number of users were keen to speak about how the free connection had helped them.

One user, who spoke through a translator, said: “It’s been really good.

"I use it for banking, job searching, paying bills, shopping, social media, education, health services and advice.

“I also use it to stay in touch with friends in London. It’s made it easier as I don’t feel like I am on my own.”

A spokesperson from Opus Broadband said: “We know how important it is and in some cases lifesaving to have access to services that make a real difference to people’s lives.

"That’s why we are supporting organisations like DARE to help make a real difference to people across the region.”

Community groups, charities and schools can find out more about the Internet for Everyone campaign on the the Opus Broadband website.