Alpha donates interactive touchscreen to Blackburn Youth Zone

Darwen based Alpha Digital Networks has donated an interactive touch screen to Blackburn Youth Zone to help with events and clubs. The AlphaInteractive touchscreen has been installed in the Recreation Area at Blackburn Youth Zone and will be used by children and patrons using the facilities.

Based at Arkwright Court, Alpha Digital has been delivering innovative technological solutions to the education and corporate sectors for over ten years. Alpha Digital manufactures, installs and maintains audio-visual and digital signage solutions, including hardware and content.

Alpha and Blackburn Youth Zone have a strong partnership, which has grown over the last few months as they have worked on various projects together. Alpha has loaned Blackburn Youth Zone interactive touchscreens and freestanding digital posters for events including the Blackburn Beer Festival and the Alpha Innov8 Day. The team at Alpha Digital Networks decided to support the work that Blackburn Youth Zone does for young people by donating an interactive touchscreen for them to use permanently. Alpha aims to work closely with the local community, to help improve outcomes for young people.

Interactive touchscreens can improve learning outcomes for children and encourages participation, which has been shown to give a feeling of empowerment. The touchscreen can be used to access learning resources online, apps for entertainment and education and for playing HD videos. The screen will allow Blackburn Youth Zone to present information in different ways to suit different learning styles and improve digital literacy skills.  Toughened glass on the screen also means that the technology is accessible to anyone and is durable when it is needed.

The screen was installed by Alpha’s AV engineer, Jason Dullenty, and apprentice engineer, Jack Lawson. The team at Blackburn Youth Zone are very happy with the new addition to their facilities. Mel Thomas from Blackburn Youth Zone said: "It’s already being put to great use and engaging young people."

Joe Makepeace, managing director of Alpha Digital Networks, said: “We are very proud to have donated this AlphaInteractive touchscreen to Blackburn Youth Zone. We hope that the equipment will empower the children and staff to learn new skills and provide entertainment that is accessible to all. We have worked very closely with Blackburn Youth Zone on numerous projects and we are please to have helped the young people in the community.”

Alpha is determined to continue their work with the local community so that everyone has access to their technology.