Activities
One of the hardest hurdles to overcome in tackling digital exclusion is a lack of access to a suitable laptop, phone, or tablet. Devices have a large up-front cost, and connectivity contracts are not affordable for all.
Since March 2020, we’ve run our device repurposing scheme. We take second-hand equipment, refurbish it, and then donate it on to somebody who has no other means to get online. Our young staff members and work experience candidates are an important part of this – learning a variety of technical and soft skills for their future careers.
From time to time we also form part of national device donation schemes from organisations such as The Good Things Foundation and Community Calling.
In addition, we are part of the National Databank scheme, and able to issue SIM cards pre-loaded with data, calls, and texts.
If you have an old device sitting unused in a drawer – please consider donating it to us. We will:
- Wipe any remaining data
- Check it works and is suitable for basic use
- Upgrade the hardware, if necessary
- Install fresh software ready for use
- Place it in a bag with accessories and instructions on getting started
If you have a device to donate, please complete this form.
We also have a number of ‘phone bank boxes’ out and about in the community, where you can drop your old device off.
FAQs
Who will my device go to?
Anyone living in East Sussex in desperate need for a digital device to help with their lives. We’ve given devices to school children to help with their homework, pensioners to stay in touch with distant relatives and people who need to get online to manage their benefits claims and other legal obligations. We accept referrals from food banks, shelters for the homeless and vulnerable, and organisations helping refugees amongst others.
What about my data?
If your device is factory reset, any data stored on it will be wiped. You should do this before donating it to us, but we always double check when we receive them.
You can find instructions linked for Android, and for Apple.
What sort of devices do you want?
Here’s our current specifications for what devices we’re able to accept.
Request a device
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept self-referrals.
If you work at a support organisation in East Sussex and you would like to request a device on behalf of a client, please use our request form for partner organisations.
Please note that demand is very high and so your client may have to be placed on a ‘first-come, first-served’ waiting list.
