A major drive is under way in Middlesbrough to combat digital poverty.
The town’s Library Service has joined forces with the Hope Foundation to get IT equipment to those who need it most.
They’ve teamed up with the FurbdIT partnership which collects unwanted devices and IT equipment, and refurbishes and breathes new life into it for the benefit of local communities.
Residents, organisations and businesses can drop off unwanted IT Equipment such as PCs, laptops, iPads, tablets and mobile phones at Middlesbrough Central Library and community hubs and libraries at Acklam, Hemlington, Marton and Thorntree.
Once the kit has been cleaned, repaired and refurbished or scrapped according to the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling) regulations, it’s redistributed to those who need it most.
This takes place through a growing network of currently 35 distribution partners working with the most vulnerable. The total number of donations received is already nearing 1,000.
The FurbdIT partnership – working with Comply IT – includes business, statutory agencies, housing, academic institutions, charities and voluntary and community groups.
David Harrington, Digital Lead for Middlesbrough Libraries, said: “Middlesbrough Libraries and Community Hubs are delighted to play a part in this important recycling scheme.
“We would encourage people to recycle old devices at one of our venues through this scheme to enable disused technology to be reused by others to access the digital world.”
Hope Foundation CEO Sue Kearney said: “The South Tees digital partnership was set up during the first Covid outbreak to help address the difficulties of lack of access to IT and connectivity. From this partnership and support from Digital City the digital platform FurbdIT was produced.
“FurbdIT offers a practical and accessible solution that helps to bridge the digital divide.
“Rather than just send it to landfill, this initiative enables individuals and organisations to pass on the digital equipment they no longer need to those who no access to digital devices.”
Councillor Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: “Access to modern, working IT equipment has never been more important, but sadly digital poverty is all too real.
“That puts people in need at a real disadvantage, whether it be competing for jobs, or just keeping in touch with loved ones.
“The FurbdIT initiative is an innovative local solution to bridging the gap, and one that will make a real difference to many people’s lives.”
For more information, visit www.furbdit.org.uk
The town’s Library Service has joined forces with the Hope Foundation to get IT equipment to those who need it most.
They’ve teamed up with the FurbdIT partnership which collects unwanted devices and IT equipment, and refurbishes and breathes new life into it for the benefit of local communities.
Residents, organisations and businesses can drop off unwanted IT Equipment such as PCs, laptops, iPads, tablets and mobile phones at Middlesbrough Central Library and community hubs and libraries at Acklam, Hemlington, Marton and Thorntree.
Once the kit has been cleaned, repaired and refurbished or scrapped according to the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment recycling) regulations, it’s redistributed to those who need it most.
This takes place through a growing network of currently 35 distribution partners working with the most vulnerable. The total number of donations received is already nearing 1,000.
The FurbdIT partnership – working with Comply IT – includes business, statutory agencies, housing, academic institutions, charities and voluntary and community groups.
David Harrington, Digital Lead for Middlesbrough Libraries, said: “Middlesbrough Libraries and Community Hubs are delighted to play a part in this important recycling scheme.
“We would encourage people to recycle old devices at one of our venues through this scheme to enable disused technology to be reused by others to access the digital world.”
Hope Foundation CEO Sue Kearney said: “The South Tees digital partnership was set up during the first Covid outbreak to help address the difficulties of lack of access to IT and connectivity. From this partnership and support from Digital City the digital platform FurbdIT was produced.
“FurbdIT offers a practical and accessible solution that helps to bridge the digital divide.
“Rather than just send it to landfill, this initiative enables individuals and organisations to pass on the digital equipment they no longer need to those who no access to digital devices.”
Councillor Stephen Hill, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Culture & Communities, said: “Access to modern, working IT equipment has never been more important, but sadly digital poverty is all too real.
“That puts people in need at a real disadvantage, whether it be competing for jobs, or just keeping in touch with loved ones.
“The FurbdIT initiative is an innovative local solution to bridging the gap, and one that will make a real difference to many people’s lives.”
For more information, visit www.furbdit.org.uk