About Us

What is MACAW?

MACAW is the name of an organisation started in 2005 to help the voluntary and community sector with general computer, or ICT, support.

We offer help with almost any aspect of ICT - for example; hardware and software problems, problems with servers, and networks. We also facilitate training to help people make the most of the systems they have, and use their time more effectively in the pursuit of their goals. We provide our own training, and also point people towards training being provided by our associated organisations.

Who can use MACAW?

The service is open to any voluntary and community sector organisation in Cheshire and Warrington, and any infrastructure group that supports them.

It is currently supported through Congleton District Voluntary Action, based in Sandbach, and operates from 8.30AM to 6.30PM Monday to Thursday, and 8.30AM to 5PM on Friday. Our ICT telephone helpdesk can be reached on our local rate number during these hours, on 0845 377 0577.

Why does MACAW exist?

As part of the ChangeUp initiative within Cheshire and Warrington, it was discovered that there was very little or even no support in hardware and software to the voluntary and community sector, yet the use of computers can increase the performance and capacity of us all.

The purpose of ChangeUp was to help the infrastructure organisations - like the Council for Voluntary Service, the Youth Federation and the Community Council - improve what they do in areas such as workforce development, quality standards, support to volunteering and ICT.

ICT development in the North West has taken several paths, one of which was MACAW which covers Cheshire and Warrington.

 

A MACAW branded cup

A section of a laptop keyboard

A section of a computer motherboard