Wakefield Council continue appeal for laptop donations to help disadvantaged children
Donate your old technology so it can be refurbished and distributed to local children and young people to support their remote learning.
Last updated 3rd Feb 2021
Times are tough and no-one knows that better than children and the parents home schooling them. It is even more difficult when you have poor internet, or do not have a device or internet to connect to.
Wakefield Council understand the importance of children having a device and access to the internet and how it is vital to their education.
Greatest Hits Radio West Yorkshire are asking our listeners to help Wakefield Council's initiative #WFConnect and ask that you donate your old technology so it can be refurbished and distributed to local children and young people to support their remote learning.
How can I donate?
To donate a device, either as an individual or business, please contact digitaldonations@wakefield.gov.uk. The team will then get back in touch with you to arrange pick up.
Who can donate to the scheme?
Anybody who is over the age of 18 years can donate. You must own the item that you want to donate.
What types of devices are accepted?
WFConnect are accepting tablets, laptops, or dongles as long as they are in working order with a minimum of Windows 7, iOS 9.0, or for an Android 8.0 and above. This is typically anything 2015 or after.
Who will receive my devices and how are they chosen?
Wakefield Council will work with schools and a number of partner organisations from across the Wakefield district to identify and supply children and young people who have need.
Devices are allocated on a device received, device donated basis, and there may be times when the council do not have devices available to distribute.
For further information or to pledge donations please contact digitaldonations@wakefield.gov.uk.
Will the equipment be cleaned and safe for someone else to use?
After the donation is collected, it will be thoroughly cleaned before it is donated to the next recipient.
The item will also be wiped and reset, to make sure it is ready for the new owner. This will be done by a computer specialist to ensure people's privacy and data is protected.
What will happen to all my data on the devices that I donate?
The item/s that you donate will be fully wiped and reset to its original factory settings by a computer specialist. No personal data will remain on any devices that are distributed to recipients.
How can I apply for a digital device?
Wakefield Council are currently distributing devices to those children with a social worker or a children's first hub worker. They will be looking to expand the eligibility criteria as donations increase.
I have a social worker or early help hub support worker, how do I apply?
Please contact your worker who will send in a nomination form on your child's behalf.
How else can I get support?
Please contact your child's school in the first instance to see if there is any support available through the Department for Education scheme.
More information
Further advice and guidance on removing the data yourself from your device, data tethering and what other devices you can use if you don't have a laptop, tablet, or PC to access the internet can be found on Wakefield Council's website HERE.