Digital exclusion creates and deepens social and economic inequalities. Individuals who lack access to the internet, digital devices or the skills to use them are effectively excluded from many opportunities and essential services including education, employment, online banking and social participation.
This is why Reaching People launched the Refurb IT project to reduce digital exclusion in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The charity manages the recycling of IT equipment donated by local businesses, organisations and individuals, cleansing the data and refurbishing the devices before distributing them via partner charities to those individuals who would otherwise be digitally excluded.
The Refurb IT project has been overwhelmingly successful so far:
In total, 178 individuals gained access to online services from which they were previously digitally excluded.
85% of respondents said that their access to online education or job opportunities improved because of using the device.
98.7% of respondents said that they are better connected with people because of using the device.
100% of respondents said that having access to a device has improved the overall quality of their life.
However, to extend the project beyond the current course of funding, we are reaching out to the local business community to raise awareness, encourage corporate sponsorship, and promote direct engagement through donations of funds, devices or technical expertise.
How your business can get involved:
📧 Contact us to discuss a sponsorship package at bronze, silver or gold levels - support a grassroots initiative that transforms lives through digital inclusion while reinforcing your commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
🏅 Bronze (£0)
Donating devices to help bridge the digital divide.
Recognition on social media.
Any donations made will go towards refurbishment costs of devices.
🥈 Silver (£2,500+)
Helps refurbish and distribute 15 devices and provide data to digitally excluded individuals and provide 1-1 support to build their skills.
Recognition on social media, our website and Reaching People newsletter.
🥇 Gold (£5,000+)
Reaching the most digitally excluded local communities to improve digital access and skills through community empowerment. We will provide at least 20 devices and tailored digital skills training to community organisations and groups.
Direct impact reporting to include case studies of individuals and families supported.
In addition to social media, website and Reaching People newsletter, featured in a press release.
📦 Donate unused tech devices - unused devices from your business can become powerful tools for education, employment, and community development.
💬 Share our message and advocate for digital inclusion - by repurposing tech, you will reduce waste whilst empowering disadvantaged communities.
🔗 Sign up today: Contact admin@reachingpeople.co.uk
Join us in making digital access a right, not a privilege!
Share this post: