We’re very proud to be involved in a project that recently featured on the One Show. Kevin Duala from the popular BBC1 programme dropped by as we donated Chromebooks and monitors to local re-use charity Donate IT. They work across the south west, saving old IT from the scrapheap and putting devices in the hands of those in most need.
Many of us take access to the internet for granted but not being having the right tech can contribute to social isolation. It also makes it harder to apply for jobs and benefits, limits access to learning, and can even mean paying more for essential services.
The One Show piece showed powerfully how technology can improve lives, as Donate IT Director, Simon Barfoot, gave a donated laptop to local GCSE student, Mustapha, who lives with cerebral palsy and has difficulty writing with a pen. The One Show piece is available to watch on iPlayer until 19 September.
Jane Smith, Curo’s Chief People Officer, said, “We’re really pleased to see our kit being given a second life out in the community. Thanks to the work of Donate IT, our old tech can bring new opportunities, and that’s something we’re proud to support.”
As well as working with Donate IT, Curo has given devices to schools, youth groups and Bath charity, Share & Repair, which runs a repair café and library of things and was also featured in the One Show piece.
It's estimated more than 800 million broken or unused tech items are gathering dust in the UK. Maybe your old kit could help someone too? Donate IT has more than 50 drop-off sites across the south west.