Castle Douglas IT charity tackles cost of living and environmental impact
The IT Centre are stopping unwanted technology from going to waste
Last updated 9th Nov 2023
A technology charity in Castle Douglas is helping tackle the cost of living, while reducing environmental impact by giving old devices a new lease of life.
The IT Centre is making the most of its recently launched refurbishment suite to transform unwanted technology, to be repurposed in the community. The charity is also continuing its long running IT Training, which helps people upskill their computer literacy.
Staff and volunteers say the service is helping those who can’t afford to buy brand new devices, by repurposing old ones which otherwise would have gone to waste.
Centre Manager Jackie Williams says: “Instead of things being thrown away and just going to landfill, it’s very important that a lot of things are reused. Especially with the cost of living crisis, the cost of buying a new laptop is really becoming very expensive.”
Cost of living and environmental damage are key issues being tackled
Refurbishment Specialist and IT Trainer Allan Smith says: “We are mitigating some of our Carbon Dioxide production by using these devices again.
“We find that if we get a young enough machine, probably 7 years or younger, we can make it into a machine that’s as good as a brand new machine that’s around £500 to buy, at a much much reduced cost.”
While the centre has been refurbishing devices for a number of years, the opening of the dedicated space has seen donations increase, from local businesses and individuals. The positive reception has the charity looking at the possibility of further expansion.
Manager Jackie Williams says: “We are looking at the possibility of expanding the operation. We obviously are really offering this in the Stewartry, but are looking to see whether there’s going to be an ongoing demand for this type of thing.
“We have been speaking to South of Scotland enterprise about expanding the business, it’s in the very early stages, but we’re talking to them at the moment.”
“It is something that we see could be of great benefit across Dumfries & Galloway.”
The Charity are dedicated to supplying devices to those in need, and say they’re proud to be making an impact across the Stewartry.
Volunteer Craig Brown says: “It’s about reducing the digital divide, and including everyone in the digital culture.
“It’s really good to see people taking part. Donating things, to help other people. It’s all about the sense of community really.”
The IT Centre is open from 09:00-17:00 Monday to Thursday, and 09:00-12:30 on Friday. Staff and volunteers at the centre are urging more people to offer up their unwanted devices for refurbishment.