Community Computers is a not-for-profit initiative born from and operated by registered charity, Renewal North West (1145056). As a DigiKnow Alliance Partner, the project is able to repair, recycle and refurbish IT devices to provide them back into the community at low-cost. This helps to tackle digital exclusion and provide IT work skills to the long-term unemployed to support them back into employment. Furthermore, the scheme helps to reduce the amount of e-waste going to landfill by ensuring all hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Wesley Downs is Chief Executive Officer at Renewal North West.
Why reuse with Community Computers?
We provide a professional and secure data destruction service for all tech donated. Your donation will allow us to provide low-cost equipment back into the community. It also helps to reduce the amount of e-waste going to landfill and reduces the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, created from the manufacturing process of new devices.
Data security is a high priority. Devices are securely wiped or physically destroyed, with certificates of destruction provided before the refurbishment process. Community Computers are registered and regulated by the Environment Agency for the processing of electrical, electronic and IT waste. Hazardous materials are disposed of, in accordance with WEEE regulations.
Download our Corporate Brochure and How We Handle Your Data information.
Member of DigiKnow
We became a DigiKnow partner just over a year ago when the project launched and together with the network, we have been able to tackle digital exclusion. Stockport libraries across the borough have been accepting tech donations from the community. And our team continues to maintain the DigiKnow Device Library at Starting Point Community Learning Partnership, which loans devices for free to Stockport residents who cannot get online.
We’re passionate about tackling digital exclusion, and where applicable, we upgrade the operating systems to a genuine version of Windows, install free anti-virus software and ensure devices are ready for use with email and browser software. We work closely with our DigiKnow partners to signpost customers to local services that can further support digital skills and their online journey.
We are committed to digital inclusion, and three members of our staff have been trained as DigiKnow Digital Champions. Community Computers are hosting two DigiKnow events at our shop over the next two Saturdays for anyone who wants to learn more about the recycling process or needs help with getting online.
Saturday 19th March 10am-2pm How and why should I reuse my tech?
![Image of old IT devices, with [Community Computers] logo, address and date and time of session.](http://i0.wp.com/digitalstockport.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Donation-Call-Poster-2022-Twitter-Post-2.png "Donation Call Poster 2022 (Twitter Post) (2)")
Saturday 26th March 10am -2pm Getting online: Starting your journey
![People looking at a computer, the [Community Computers] logo and address and the date and times of the session.](http://i0.wp.com/digitalstockport.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Donation-Call-Poster-2022-Twitter-Post-1.png "Donation Call Poster 2022 (Twitter Post) (1)")
2021 Impact Report
1 in 5 people in Stockport have little or no access to the internet; these people are more likely to be on a low income or unemployed. It is estimated that 1 in 3 of those digitally excluded lack access to digital equipment. Poor access to digital platforms can reduce opportunities for employment, increase social isolation, and can be a barrier to access essential services and benefits.
Community Computers have now received over 2,025 IT donations weighing almost 8 tons and have started distributing them to families and individuals within the community at low cost.
61% of clients completing our survey in 2021 said the device will be used for job searching; a further 61% of clients said it would be used for school, college or higher education.
Furthermore, we are supporting the long-term unemployed with skills, training and work experience to support them back to work.
Read the full 2021 Impact Report for more feedback from some of the people who have benefited from the refurbished devices and the positive impact this has had on many people’s lives.
This will help massive, with improving mine and my children’s future enabling me to study online whilst looking after my children. I can also job search as well as help my daughter access online homework
I was learning new skills while gaining new responsibilities. The work helped bring a balance to my life.
If you know someone who would benefit from a low-cost refurbished device, call us on 0161 476 2777 or visit our shop at 61-63 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK3 8BH.
We are very grateful for all the donations we’ve already received and urge you to continue to drop off the tech you don’t use at your local library or contact us directly to arrange a collection. We provide a professional service with secure transportation and all our staff are fully CRB checked. We can collect:
- Desktop Computers
- Laptops
- Networking Peripherals (such as switches, patch panels, cabinets, power supplies)
- Servers
- iPhones
- Working TFT Monitors
- iPads
- Smart Phones
- Tablets
- Laser Printers
- Scanners
To arrange a collection, call us on 0161 476 2777 or email enquiries@communitycomputers.co.uk.