Call for communities to get behind North Yorkshire's IT appeal
'Reboot' is looking to refurbish and give unwanted IT equipment to isolated residents
Reboot North Yorkshire is encouraging local community and voluntary groups to help refurbish and distribute unwanted IT equipment to isolated residents.
Launched in February, Reboot North Yorkshire is a collaborative project led and coordinated by North Yorkshire County Council.
It was initially aimed at supplying school children with vital equipment to enable them to access lessons remotely during the pandemic.
The scheme is now being broadened to everybody who needs help to get connected by enlisting the support of community partners to distribute the donated unwanted laptops, tablets and smartphones through their local networks.
Robert Ling, the County Council’s Assistant Director of Technology and Change, said: “As we have seen from the pandemic, access to online services is more important than ever to stay connected to those you love.
“Residents have more opportunities than ever before to access the internet as our libraries offer free Wi-Fi. We are also rolling out free public access Wi-Fi in 16 market towns in a bid to support recovery and growth for communities and businesses.
“Project Reboot enables those without the technology to gain vital access. By working with our community partners we are ensuring that we operate at a local level where the expertise exists.”
The project brings together a wide range of partners and community organisations including businesses, libraries, schools, local charities and volunteers.
A network of community-based Reboot sites across the county will be formed to refurbish and recycle unwanted IT equipment and distribute them to local people in need.
Community Reboot Partners will be provided with the training needed to recycle and distribute IT equipment along with access to digital skills support and data packages. Partners will have access to funding of up to £1,000 for set-up and ongoing costs.
Marie-Ann Jackson, Head of Stronger Communities, said: “We are really keen to get as many local organisations and community groups involved in Reboot as we can, both helping to refurbish and recycle donated equipment as well as having digital champions who can help people get online.
“There is great training available for the champions or anyone interested in becoming one of our community Reboot Partners. This is a great opportunity for local groups to help people in their community to get and stay connected.”
Steve Carr, Wellbeing Practitioner based in the Scarborough district, has seen first-hand how the Reboot scheme has helped his client connect with the digital world.
He said: “It’s great to see my client have contact with her family online over Zoom and she is now embarking on enrolling firstly on a wellbeing course and then moving onto other things that spark an interest. This has totally changed an aspect of her life that she never thought possible and I am continuing to help her achieve her goals.”
County Councillor David Chance, Executive Member for Stronger Communities, added: “It’s hard to believe that in this digital world many people still don’t have access to the internet. Being able to connect with other people is really important, so we are working with communities and organisations to help make this possible.
“Our community Reboot Partners are integral to the success of the project going forward. Volunteers are doing a great job in refurbishing the devices and their local knowledge and contacts will ensure a smooth distribution. I would encourage all potential partners to get involved and help to address digital inequalities in their area.”
If your organisation is interested in signing-up or has any questions please email Stronger.Communities@northyorks.gov.uk
People and organisations who want to donate unwanted equipment are asked to take their devices to their nearest participating local library where an appropriate drop-off point is clearly marked.
For more details on how you can help Reboot North Yorkshire make a difference please visit www.rebootny.co.uk