Businesses are being encouraged to get behind a scheme to provide digital hardware and support to individuals and community groups in need.
Community interest company Reboot IT for All has been co-founded by Adam Whitehouse, from technology lifestyle services provider TMT First.
The new organisation distributes donated hardware to low-income individuals and community groups, provides training in device repair and competencies and promotes collaboration to address digital needs beyond hardware.
Companies and individuals who donate their pre-loved electronic items will help those in need, reduce waste and help to promote a sustainable future.
Volunteers are also needed.
Adam, Founder and Chair of Newcastle-under-Lyme-based TMT First and co-founder of Reboot IT for All CIC, said: “We set up Reboot CIC as we wanted to help tackle the digital divide and improve access to digital technology for those individuals who are finding it difficult.
“We are working with a range of organisations who have donated their out of date or no longer needed technology and we data-wipe, repair and repurpose it to give it to those who need it most. The local NHS and police force have both recently made a big donation to us which we are very grateful for.
“So far, we’ve processed more than 100 devices, but we know from the feedback we’ve received, that much more technology is needed, and to get more we need more help.
“We are asking for companies and organisations to donate their unwanted technology, and we also want to hear from those people and organisations who can benefit from that technology once we’ve processed and refurbished it.”
Adam added: “We are also looking for volunteers to help us, people who can make a difference by helping us, from collecting donated tech to answering phones and emails to data wiping the tech we receive.
“If we can get more resources, we can help more people and really help reduce the gap between those who have and do not have access to computers and the Internet, those people who are stuck in the digital divide.”
Complete Communications, also based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has partnered with TMT First and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to support the initiative.
Director Nick Holland said: “In today’s world, having access to technology isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
“With 95 per cent of job applications now online and children needing computers for schoolwork, digital access is a fundamental right. Businesses across the UK have thousands of unused devices sitting in storage – by donating them, they can make a real difference.”
Anyone who can help with a donation should email donate@reboot-it.org.
Potential volunteers have been asked to get in touch via support@reboot-it.org.
