Charity’s push for unwanted devices
VOLUNTEERS RECYCLING BROKEN LAPTOPS
A HULL charity has appealed for any redundant or broken laptops to help connect isolated people in the city.
Spring Bank Community Association (SBCA) has a team of trained staff and volunteers who repair or upgrade unwanted devices, then issue them for free to deprived children, the elderly or disabled.
Even outdated or broken computer and tech equipment is useful because of the parts that can be retrieved and reused.
Frank Mcconaghy, chairman of SBCA, said: “We are grateful for donated equipment in any condition at all. A device might have a broken case, but the parts inside will be fine for us to use.”
SBCA’S project has so far put more than 200 redundant laptops and tablets back into use after upgrading or repairing them in the bespoke repair workshop at the Spring Bank Community Centre, West Parade.
“We have donated laptops to local schoolchildren, women’s aid groups, elderly people and disabled and socially isolated people,” said Frank.
“We’ve also donated portals to connect lonely people during the pandemic, helping them with the initial set-up and use via our phone helpline.”
Free recycled laptops with dongle internet connectivity were delivered to about 60 people, just before lockdown.
“Before the pandemic, Lee Moore, our centre manager, went to one guy who hadn’t seen his brother in New Zealand for 30 years and got him connected up.
“That’s the type of thing we do – society is so arrogant in expecting everybody from the word go to be able to get online.
“At SBCA, we realise that there is an IT connectivity problem, and reluctance in the older section of our community that can leave many of the most vulnerable people in isolation and unable to enjoy the benefits of using the internet or talking and seeing friends and relatives,” said Frank.
Care homes, cultural groups and schoolchildren have all benefited from the help of SBCA, with the support of funders including The Sir James Reckitt Charity, Two
Ridings Community Funds and The National Lottery’s Community Fund. In normal times, the centre has an open-to-all computer suite, offering one-to-one help with IT for any member of the local community.
The 30-year-old charity’s initiative is happening at a time when a number of organisations are working to help locked down children who otherwise would not have access to digital learning.
The Hull Daily Mail and Hull Live are helping in a Cash For Connectivity drive to get all children who are home learning connected to the internet, by raising funds to buy inexpensive dongles.
Donated devices can be dropped off at the centre Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm, or collection can be arranged. Call 01482 323483 or 216367 for more details.