Stockport residents urged to donate spare tech to help people get online

Residents are being encouraged to donate their spare computer equipment to help people in Stockport get online, as part of a new scheme.

The DigiKnow Alliance, which works to tackle digital exclusion in Stockport, Greater Manchester, are encouraging residents and businesses to donate old equipment to help those in the borough who aren’t online or don’t have a suitable device to access the internet.

Partners Renewal North West and Amshire IT Support have joined the scheme to refurbish donated redundant computer equipment.

Recycled donations will also be used to maintain the DigiKnow Device Library, run by Stockport council, which provides free loans of devices to residents who are missing out, including families with children struggling to access live lessons, job seekers and the socially isolated.

Anyone donating equipment can be reassured that both organisations will ensure items are cleaned of all data prior to refurbishing.

Councillor Kate Butler, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focus and Engagement says: “I’d like to thank these two organisations for their help getting these initiatives off the ground.

“These are exciting schemes that will help more Stockport residents to get online, whilst also offering so many other benefits to the wider community and the environment.

“Stockport Council will be donating computer equipment that we no longer use, but the schemes won’t succeed without donations from businesses and individuals across Stockport.

“If you've got computer equipment you no longer use, please donate it so we can help as many people as possible access the internet and ensure no-one gets left behind. We really think these initiatives deserve all our support.”

Renewal North West, a local charity, runs the ‘community computers’ initiative which provide training and work experience in IT recycling skills for the long-term unemployed.

To donate any spare technology to the scheme residents can drop off donations at any open Stockport library or at Renewal North West’s shop in Shaw Heath.

Groups and businesses can arrange for a bulk collection of items by contacting them on 0161 476 2777 or via their website: communitycomputers.co.uk.

Amshire IT Support will recycle donations from businesses, to be distributed via the DigiKnow Device library, to families with school-age children.

Wesley Downs, Executive Officer of Renewal North West said: “We're passionate about breaking down barriers - Community Computers operates to tackle long term unemployment and digital exclusion, and we're incredibly excited to have joined forces with SMBC, the Digiknow Alliance and Stockport Digital Device Library to enable more access to digital devices in Stockport.

“The success of our work, however, relies on sufficient IT donations - all of which are dealt with by our professional and secure asset management service.”

Dave Taylor, Managing Director of Cheadle Hulme based Amshire said: “We know some businesses will be worried about data and wiping.

“We are involved in offering our security and data wipe services. Along with Renewal North West we are proud to be helping where we can.

“Schools in particular are in need as home learning and lack of kit may inhibit some families to engage and feel connected, especially during the lockdown.”