IT ReUse: fighting digital poverty

About IT ReUse

IT ReUse repairs, refurbishes and redistributes unwanted IT equipment to people experiencing financial hardship in York and surrounding areas. The project was set up in 2019 in response to a growing digital divide which meant people were being excluded from vital services, education and social interaction. 

While the primary focus of the project is the provision of IT equipment, we also provide skill development and volunteering opportunities to the local community. We provide a safe space for people to learn computer software, coding and IT skills which equips them with practical skills to support them into employment. 

Our success so far

Last year, we processed 320 devices and distributed 200 internet connectivity packages to people in digital poverty. 294 people were signposted to benefits services and received digital information packs and 30 volunteers were upskilled in IT refurbishment. 4 of those volunteers went on into employment, including someone who now has a job at Aviva!

The people behind the numbers

Below are some examples of people supported through the project:

• We provided a laptop to a woman which enabled her to access coaching, set up her own business and become self employed
• The provision of a laptop helped an ex-army veteran with PTSD access group therapy, manage his benefits and access cultural activities during lockdown
• A laptop enabled a young single parent to access training to become a special needs coordinator
• A laptop gave a woman and her four children living in a refuge a means to communicate with friends and family and for her children to complete their homework
• We provided a smartphone to a phone to a child who was a victim of domestic abuse meaning they could stay in touch with their social worker. The device was pre-programmed with emergency contacts and support lines to keep her safe.
• A laptop enabled a young person who was at risk of self-harm and hospitalisation create a CV, access support, apply for jobs and live independently

...But there's still more to do!

Unfortunately, need has increased exponentially since the pandemic and cost of living crisis and it’s now estimated that 9% of the population of York have no access to the internet, which is around 16,000 people. We are struggling to meet demand and are therefore looking for funding to grow the service. 

Your donation will mean we can purchase more equipment, increase our capacity and provide more devices to people in need. We have set ourselves the ambitious target of doubling the number of devices we distribute this year and you can help us reach that goal! 

One of our volunteers, Dan, repairing devices for redistribution.