North Yorkshire families in need to get donated laptops, tablets and smartphones
'Reboot North Yorkshire' is a new council project.
People in North Yorkshire are being urged to donate unwanted laptops, tablets and smartphones - to help children from disadvantaged families study online.
'Reboot North Yorkshire' is a new council project, where people or businesses with an unwanted device can drop it off at their local library.
The devices are then collected and refurbished - before being distributed to families in need.
It will also help adults who are socially isolated and who would benefit from connecting to family members and friends, particularly those who have been unable to see loved ones during the pandemic.
The aim of Reboot North Yorkshire is to get as many digitally disadvantaged people online as possible.
So far, laptop donations have been received from Yorkshire-based businesses such as the Bettys & Taylors Group and social housing provider Beyond Housing.
People and organisations who want to donate are asked to take their devices to their nearest participating local library where an appropriate drop-off point will be clearly marked.
People who do not have devices to donate but would like to support the initiative, can make a cash contribution to help provide data to those who do not have a reliable broadband connection.
Cllr David Chance, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Stronger Communities is appealing to the public and businesses to get involved: “Perhaps you have an old laptop collecting dust, or an unused tablet hiding in the bottom of a drawer? Or maybe you received a new device for Christmas and you don’t know what to do with your old device.”
“Donating any unwanted devices in good working order will make a huge difference to people in our communities who may not be fortunate to have sufficient IT access.”
He said: “Having access to the internet and to IT equipment is something often taken for granted. Digital technology is a valuable resource, yet many people still cannot access the internet, which increases exclusion and decreases access to important services during periods of lockdown.
“Reboot North Yorkshire’s aim is to reduce inequalities by addressing levels of digital exclusion across the area, starting with helping children to continue learning from home.”
Lucy Darwin, Head of IT Service Operations at Bettys & Taylors Group, said: “Lockdown has brought home to all of us just how essential digital connection is. “We’re delighted to be supporting the scheme both by providing reconditioned business devices and by encouraging our people to donate any unwanted personal devices. It’s a simple and practical way we can support our local community in these challenging times.”