A council-run scheme is making recycled laptops and PCs available to registered charities in County Durham.

The Digital Durham Reboot programme refurbishes IT equipment formerly used by Durham County Council before supplying it to the charities at low prices.

The scheme aims to help the charities operate more efficiently. Digital Durham Reboot also supports the charities in their quest to boost the IT skills of local people and get more of them online.

The council run the project in conjunction with Protech City, who make sure all Durham County Council data is removed from the machines. The devices are then fully tested and Windows 10 and Microsoft Office are installed.

One charity that has bought computers through the project is the Durham Community Association.

The association’s centre manager, David Lindley, said, “We host and run a range of events, clubs and groups that support the local community.”

“By providing access to low-cost reliable equipment, this scheme is helping the association to run more effectively than we could with our old outdated computer.”

“It is now so much easier to manage our administration and accounts and to complete anything over the internet. I’d definitely encourage other County Durham charities to see how they could benefit.”

Charities can only purchase the recycled devices if they promise to use the equipment to help residents get online for free or improve their IT skills. The devices may also be used to help the charities run more efficiently.

Durham County Council’s cabinet member for transformation, Cllr Joy Allen, said, “Access to a computer can help charities to operate more efficiently while for members of the communities they serve it offers the opportunity to learn valuable new digital skills, search and apply for jobs, access a variety of public services and simply stay in touch with others.”

“I’m delighted we’re able to play our part in such a worthwhile scheme, which not only benefits charities but also the residents they support.”

To find out more about the Digital Durham Reboot initiative, please go to www.digitaldurham.org.

(The featured image shows representatives of Durham County Council, Protech City and the Durham Community Association with some of the recycled equipment.)  


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