A new, centralised refurbishment initiative has launched to tackle digital exclusion amongst residents of Manchester. Community Computers are working with Manchester City Council to offer low-
cost devices that trials a more sustainable approach to support residents to get online.
The Covid pandemic highlighted inequalities and increasing social divides, spotlighting the importance and scale of digital exclusion. Digitally excluded residents are more likely to face multiple inequalities, including those on lower income, the financially vulnerable, over 65s and the disabled.
It is estimated that 1 in 3 of those digitally excluded, lack access to digital equipment.
The partnership with Community Computers will provide a holistic service, offering lower cost choices to low-income residents in need of devices and signposting to additional digital support via a text, email and newly launched telephone service. The scheme also provides opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals to be supported with training, IT skills and employability to support them back to work.
The Low-Cost Device Scheme aims to educate and inform Manchester residents and businesses of the social, waste and data destruction benefits of donating tech cross the city, providing an asset to communities. Mindful of the city’s zero carbon pledge, and the need to bridge the digital divide, the initiative will focus on waste reduction, donation and refurbishment while delivering viable, cost-effective devices to digitally excluded residents.
This method of recycling and upcycling is focused on a cleaner, greener future, as it will help reduce the amount of waste produced by the city. Furthermore, any potentially hazardous waste will be disposed of by Community Computers, in accordance with WEEE regulations, rather than adding to growing landfill pollution.
Data security is a high priority; donated devices are collected by vetted staff and remain protected from unauthorised use, from the point of collection, transportation, and storage, all the way up to data destruction in which a certificate of destruction is provided. Mechanical hard drives are physically disposed of with a degaussing machine and SSD drives are professionally data wiped using industry standard technology, eliminating the risk of sensitive data leaks.
Fully refurbished, licensed and upgraded devices are now available for Manchester residents on low-income and range from Desktops to Laptops, priced at £69.99 and £99.99 respectively, including delivery, support and WiFi when needed.
Residents can text 0786 006 4128 or email: [email protected] to get referred through Manchester City Council on the service and further explore an individual's needs for devices, internet and more support or can otherwise contact Community Computers directly on 0161 476 2777.
If you have a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone you don't use and would like to donate to the scheme, you can call 0161 476 2777.