Services: Device donations

TechResort started refurbishing and donating laptops back in the first Covid-19 lockdown, and we’re continuing to meet this growing need

SIM cards and phones

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 donation scheme. We take second-hand equipment, refurbish it, and then donate it on to somebody who has no other means to get online. We’re also 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 locally 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?

For phones – anything that is capable of sending and receiving calls and texts will be of use.

For tablets, laptops and desktops – anything under 10 years old.

What sort of devices can’t we accept?

If your device won’t turn on at all we’re unlikely to be able to get it working well again.

If the battery life is very poor and the back of the phone isn’t easily removable to replace it, it probably won’t be economical for us to repurpose.

We don’t want to send out devices with broken screens. These are usually impossible to repair and expensive to replace.

Request a device

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept self-referrals.

If you work at a local support organisation 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.

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