Laptop donations can help to breach the digital divide
People in Sunderland are being encouraged to part with their old laptops and desktop devices in a bid to help charities and those they support to get online.
Sunderland City Council has partnered up with Protech City to launch the GO! Get Online scheme – to offer low cost computer equipment to registered charities in the area.
The three-month pilot scheme will see the council working with private and public sector firms to encourage them to donate devices they no longer need and it will also be donating redundant IT equipment of its own to the scheme.
Residents can also donate unwanted devices at secure donation points in the city.
The equipment will be collected, wiped clean and restored to its factory settings by Protech before being upgraded and sent on to its new home.
Cllr Linda Williams, cabinet member for vibrant city, said: "The pandemic has brought the digital divide into sharp focus putting those without access to IT at a clear disadvantage when it comes to keeping in touch with family and friends, home learning and working, shopping and accessing online services.
"This is all about helping people without any access to IT, to get online."
Ian Murphy, from Protech, said: "This project has the potential to improve the lives of many people in Sunderland. Sunderland Council is a valued partner of ours, and we appreciate their efforts in getting this idea off the ground. Residents, corporations, and organisations have a real opportunity to make a difference."
The five locations where people can drop off IT equipment are:
*Back on the Map, 67 Toward Road, Hendon. Tel: 0191 514 7844
*Blue Watch Youth Centre, Burdon Lane, Ryhope. Tel: 0191 521 4060.
*St Marks Community Association( Behind the Church off Hylton Road, St Mark's Terrace, Sunderland. Tel: 0191 514 4126
*Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre, 30 Tatham St, Hendon. Tel: 0191 564 0888.
*The Box Youth and Community Project, Hall Farm Rd, Doxford. Tel: 0191 522 5031.