Think how excluded you would feel if you had no digital access. From those with no fixed address, to refugees, to the elderly, this is a reality that’s all too common. Here’s a south-London charity, with partners in the NHS and here at Restore Technology, aiming to change that, one laptop at a time.
Imagine trying to use local authority and central government services, to bank, communicate with your child’s school, doctors, let alone work, without decent digital access. The fact is that many are left out or left behind by the mode and speed of communication. Here’s a great story about helping community groups, and individuals, with a focus on sustainability.
Over the summer, one of Restore Technology’s customers donated 54 no-longer-needed laptops that were then cleaned, prepped and facilitated by our technicians and passed on to a charity in south-east London that works to bridge that digital divide.
The donor
The devices came from the NHS, from the South East London Integrated Care System (ICB) in fact, with whom Restore Technology has a relationship, working with ICT Associate Director, Pin Bhandal. Part of the South East London ICB’s strategy is to work more sustainably, supporting suppliers and community groups who are committed to building a circular economy. Pin had reached out to partner with local charity, Community TechAid, to provide them with cleaned up devices and, courtesy of our expertise in erasure and data protection, this donation has enabled many people in need get connected.
The charity
Community TechAid is a grassroots charity that collaborates with over 350 organisations in Lambeth and Southwark on their mission to enable sustainable access to technology and the education needed to extend digital inclusion to everyone. They work with education, refugee support, food assistance, mental health and youth services, helping close the digital divide while recycling, repairing and re-using e-waste.
“We are thrilled to partner with the NHS and Restore Technology to support our south London community online. Donations like these are vital in helping us tackle digital poverty, enabling more people to access essential digital services and benefit from the online world. This partnership not only provides much-needed devices but also encourages a culture of reuse and repair, which is critical for building a sustainable future. Together, we’re empowering individuals and bridging the digital divide in our community.”
– Cat Smith, Chief Executive Officer
Restore Technology’s role
Regarding e-waste as a resource, not a candidate for landfill, is just our sort of thinking, and we encourage all our customers to consider what happens to their no-longer-needed computing equipment when they dispose of it.
In this case, South East London ICB has been a customer for several years, using our collections and super-secure data erasure services for their obsolete IT devices, including laptops. GPs, for example, have been regular users of our services.
“It’s great that our customers have the option to recycle their assets. After we have erased all data, for compliance and security’s sake, we can refurbish equipment, so it is either re-usable back within the customer organisation, or can be donated to charities, schools and other community groups. Whichever channel our customers do choose, they can trust Restore Technology to help them support and be part of the circular economy.”
– Ben Cornish, the Restore Technology Account Manager
In this case, it would be great to think this is just the start of a beautiful relationship, one that we at Restore Technology can contribute to and help grow.
If you would like to know more about how we can help you contribute to those in need of inclusion in our digital world, please get in touch with Ben Cornish, Account Manager.
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