Amazon’s Manchester fulfilment centre is supporting special educational needs (SEN) students through a comprehensive initiative that will create a local school’s first-ever dedicated IT classroom and renovate outdoor sports facilities.
The Amazon team recently delivered 15 laptops and 15 sets of headphones to the Carrington SEN school, as part of a £10,000 donation that will also include sporting equipment, outdoor furniture and classroom materials.
In the coming months, volunteers from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Manchester will also paint the school’s new IT classroom, install furniture, and establish outdoor learning and sports areas. The initiative addresses critical gaps in both digital access and physical wellness opportunities for students who often face significant barriers to adapted educational resources and physical activities.
Amazon volunteers will work alongside school staff to set up the IT equipment, install desks and seating for the new classroom, clear and prepare the sports field, and assemble outdoor furniture including essential seating and covered areas for team activities.
Ian Jackson, General Manager at Amazon’s Manchester fulfilment centre, said:
“We’re really proud to be creating this IT classroom for local students who need it most. Some of these children don’t have access to computers at school, so we wanted to help change that. It’s brilliant to see members of our team getting involved to paint the classroom, set up the equipment and build the outdoor facilities. This will make a real difference to these young people’s education and their future opportunities.”
Mark Chapman, Vice Principle at Carrington SEN School – Changing Lives SEN, added:
“This support from Amazon is genuinely transformative for our school. We’ve never had a dedicated IT classroom before, and our students have been missing out on vital digital skills that are essential for their future independence and employment opportunities. The combination of technology and improved sports facilities means we can now offer a more rounded education that addresses both the academic and physical development needs of our students. The fact that Amazon employees are personally involved in making this happen makes it even more meaningful.”
The IT classroom equipment will remain the property of the school, ensuring long-term sustainable access to technology for current and future students. The outdoor facilities will support the school’s physical education programme and provide crucial opportunities for social interaction and adapted physical activities.
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in need. ‘Brick-by-Brick’ Multibank opened in Wigan in 2023, with The Brick. The Multibank network has donated more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Greater Manchester, Scotland, Wales, London, Tees Valley and Birmingham. This year, the Multibank will send 1 million orders to families across the UK.
Amazon has supported more than one million students across the UK with free STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer and helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon has raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people across the UK, and around the world.