Donate IT scheme helping people to get online

People from across Staffordshire are getting help to get online thanks to laptops and tablets donated by members of the public.

People who have a laptop or tablet they no longer need are being invited to donate them at one of 16 Staffordshire libraries. Items are then refurbished before being distributed to individuals and organisations who need them.

More than 160 devices have been donated to the scheme over the past twelve months helping people who would otherwise be excluded from online learning, shopping, health care and job applications.

The Donate IT scheme is being delivered by Staffordshire County Council and the Community Foundation for Staffordshire.

South Staffordshire Jobs Club have recently received three laptops from the scheme to help people search and apply for jobs.

Anita Langston from Wombourne uses the Jobs Club and said: “I enjoy using the laptops to search for jobs and apply online, as I don’t have a computer or the internet at home.”

Staffordshire Women’s Aid recently received five devices, to help victims of sexual and domestic abuse to access weekly counselling and group sessions.

One service user benefiting from the scheme said: “Starting my journey of recovery was hard and I was terrified. Using the computer to access counselling meant I didn’t have to use public transport to get to my appointments, which has helped to keep me safe from Covid. I would like to say thank you to those who donated the items.”

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “It’s fantastic news that so many people have donated items to the scheme.

“Donating your unwanted items is not only a great way to help people in our community who need it most, but it also allows people to do their bit to help make Staffordshire more sustainable, by recycling and reusing equipment.

“I would urge people to dust off their old laptops and tablets and donate them at their local library where they will be passed on to someone who will use them.”

Further details on the scheme are available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/DonateIt

Libraries accepting donations include:

· Burton

· Newcastle

· Stafford

· Cannock

· Leek

· Lichfield

· Perton

· Tamworth

· Biddulph

· Burntwood

· Codsall

· Kidsgrove

· Rugeley

· Stone

· Uttoxeter

· Wombourne