Charity workers helping the homeless and unemployed in London’s East End have landed a �7,500 windfall to reboot their computer training centre.

The Spitalfields Crypt Trust is now upgrading its Hanbury Project to train people in information technology including the internet and wi-fi.

“Our pre-slimline computers are very old and years out of date,” explained trust fundraiser Stephen Armstrong. “Now we are able to finally upgrade the old, tired facilities in the computing room.

“We use computers to help people without a roof over their head to keep in touch with families.

“Some have still never used computers, but we show them how to master the technology and be confident to keep in touch and also how to apply for jobs.”

The trust has been given �2,500 by M&G finance group in the City and been promised �5,000 from the East London Business Alliance’s ‘Spitalfields Together’ bursary fund.

It is using the cash for new IT equipment including setting up a wi-fi facility for lap-tops.

“We use the technology to get the homeless and drug-addicts who come to us for help back into normality,” Stephen added. “These people are isolated and get frightened about being left behind by changing technology.”

The charity helps 4,000 people a year who use the charity’s drop-in day centre in Shoreditch High Street where the Hanbury Project has been set up. The centre also has a soup kitchen, film club and book club.