Penrith and Eden Refugee Network volunteers helping asylum seekers and refugees in the Carlisle area can now offer better support from their new office space thanks to equipment bought with a grant from Fibrus’ Community Fund.

The Fund was established by the Full Fibre broadband company to address digital poverty and provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable in the communities it serves.

Earlier this year, PERN – Penrith and Eden Refugee Network – opened an office in Carlisle and a £2000 Fibrus grant allowed them to set it up with the laptops, monitors and screens it needed to carry out its essential work. 

The equipment is used by asylum seekers and refugees, and the PERN volunteers who help them, to access essential documents and complete important processes in regard to immigration. 

Sarah Wilson, Director of PERN said: “At times I myself find it hard to navigate systems in the UK, and I don’t think I would survive well in another country with different systems and culture and language.

“People fleeing war and persecution have no choice but to cope as best they can when English may be their second or third language.

“Having the Fibrus funded computers and screens is invaluable. PERN Legal and Info services are in high demand.

“People used to come to us and say ‘can you help me with this form because I can’t do it on my phone’, and now we can offer them a laptop in a safe space. It helps people and saves valuable PERN time.”

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “Bringing people together both digitally, and via community connections, is at the heart of what we do.”

“We are delighted to be able to support organisations like PERN across the county through our Community Fund. “

“The work PERN does is essential to vulnerable people who are in challenging situations in the area.

“I am delighted to see the grant is making such a difference to help PERN break down communication barriers for those in greater need.”

Fibrus, in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation, set up the Community Fund Cumbria in April 2023 to help address digital poverty with a particular focus on older and younger people.

PERN was set up in 2017 in response to refugees from Syria arriving in the community.

Now there are more than 550 members who work to welcome and support refugees in the area.

PERN’s Legal and Info service was set up in 2022 and expanded in 2024 to meet the growing need for legal advice and support for asylum seekers in the area.