A SOCIAL enterprise serving elderly and vulnerable people in Blaenau Gwent has received £3,000 investment from the Welsh Government’s digital inclusion programme.

Abertillery-based Blaenau Gwent Care and Repair provides advice and practical support to vulnerable older and disabled people who wish to undertake home improvements. The money will be used to improve its office efficiency and modernise IT.

Cris Davies, chief officer of Blaenau Gwent Care and Repair, said: “Support from Communities 2.0 will enable the innovative practices we have developed with the My Pad initiative to continue and it will allow the business to operate effectively and efficiently to fulfil our aims as a social enterprise.”

The My Pad initiative has enabled digital inclusion to become part of the work of frontline staff and to improve business efficiency of case workers. Communities 2.0 is a Welsh Government programme which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Cathryn Marcus, Communities 2.0 project director, said: “Communities 2.0 is delighted to be able to add its support to these essential improvements for Blaenau Gwent Care and Repair.

“This package of support will help the organisation to deliver essential services throughout the community. The training and upgraded equipment will ensure the social enterprise is equipped to face future challenges.”