Marketing Stockport is supporting digital inclusion in Stockport and encouraging businesses to donate computers and other old tech they no longer need to Community Computers, an initiative that refurbishes old, unused devices to help people in Stockport get online.
Supported by Stockport based Amshire IT, the charity really needs your unwanted tech and will collect bulk donations from local businesses free of charge. Data security is a high priority and everything donated goes through a complete wiping process, certified to United States Department of Defence standards, completely removing all data, with a free Certificate of Destruction.
Wesley Downs, Executive Officer of Renewal North West who run the Community Computers not for profit initiative says:
“We rely on donations and we’re appealing to local businesses to choose us for your IT recycling. Community Computers is a recycling scheme with a social conscience. We provide fully refurbished devices back into the community at low cost and work closely with local organisations to support individuals and families in using their devices. We provide employment, work experience and training to long term unemployed individuals to help them regain work. And we reduce e-waste and ensure that none of your IT equipment contributes to damaging the environment. No other scheme puts your unwanted tech to so many good uses!”
Kirsteen Roe, Service Director for Citizen Focus at Stockport Council says:
“At Stockport Council we’ve committed to helping as many people as possible to enjoy the many benefits that digital brings and ensure no-one gets left behind. We have every confidence in the process that Community Computers use to professionally wipe all data from the old devices, so we’re donating computer equipment that we no longer use to the scheme. This is a great way to help more people access the internet, as well as reduce e-waste, and we would encourage other businesses to do the same.”
Find out more about the scheme on the Community Computers website or call them on 0161 476 2777 to arrange a collection. You can also drop off devices at any open library in Stockport, or at Renewal North West’s shop in Shaw Heath.
The charity is part of the DigiKnow Alliance, who are working to tackle digital exclusion in Stockport. Donated equipment is either upgraded and relicensed and made available at low cost for people on means tested benefits from Renewal North West’s shop, or used to maintain the DigiKnow Device Library, which offers free device loans for local people.
Donna, who has used the DigiKnow Device library during lockdown says:
“I think this is a brilliant service for those that do not have computers. It has been a real-life saver in helping my daughter stay on track with her work. She wouldn’t have been able to keep up with her schoolwork if it wasn’t for the laptop, especially with the introduction of online classes”.