A new partnership has formed to tackle the ‘digital divide’ and ensure unwanted IT equipment helps others.
Black Country Housing Group collect the first batch of repurposed laptops from Repc Ltd to distribute to households across the Sandwell Borough.
Sandwell businesses are being urged to do their bit and donate unwanted PCs, tablets and laptops to a cutting-edge scheme to give full access to digital technologies to those who do not.
Sandwell Digital Donation is a partnership between the local authority, Black Country Housing Group and borough-based social enterprise Repc Ltd.
Through the partnership, the project team collects unwanted computer equipment from business premises. All data is then deleted safely and legally from the machines.
The equipment is then repaired and reconditioned before passing it one to households within the Sandwell borough. If the equipment cannot be reused, Repc will ensure it is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.
Bevil Williams, Managing Director of Repc Ltd, said: “Repc was set up nearly 20 years ago now, repurposing unwanted IT equipment to help reduce digital poverty amongst some of the UK’s most underserved communities, while protecting our environment by reusing equipment and preventing them from ending up in landfill.
“We are based in Sandwell, and we are delighted to be working with our council and Black Country Housing to provide much needed IT equipment to those in most need in the borough.
“Give your unwanted IT equipment new life by donating them to Sandwell Digital Donation and give a child the opportunity to improve their learning potential and be better prepared for adult life.”
Councillor Maria Crompton, Cabinet member responsible for digital inclusion, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Black Country Housing Group and Repc Ltd on this exciting project, which will help to reduce the social and economic impact the digital divide has in our community.
“Over the last year, we have seen first-hand the digital divide intensify. The pandemic has highlighted the need for us to work together and help people get online – whether it is to communicate with others, learn, or access opportunities and the support they need.
“I’m delighted that Sandwell Digital Donation is not only recycling unwanted equipment but redistributing it to people for whom it might be life-changing. I urge businesses across the borough to see what they can donate.”
Written by Craig Winyard.