Giving devices a second life to bridge the digital divide
Steph Noyce, Head of Money and Digital at Clarion Futures, talks about how we’re refurbishing 450 ex-Clarion laptops for reuse in our communities.
“By repurposing old staff laptops instead of disposing of them, we’re reducing waste, lowering our environmental footprint, and maximising value from existing resources to benefit our communities.”
As more and more everyday services move online, through Clarion Futures we work with a network of partners and volunteers to help our residents feel empowered and equipped to make the most of all the internet has to offer.
But it’s not just about having the skills and confidence to get online. A lack of access to the right equipment and connectivity can also be a huge barrier – one we’ve seen grow as budgets have become tighter and households have made the difficult choice to switch off the internet, or not replace broken laptops, phones or tablets.
As part of a drive to tackle this digital exclusion, we’ve been working with colleagues in our IT team to distribute laptops previously used by Clarion staff, giving them a second life in the hands of those who need them most.
Fully refurbished, quality-checked, and ready for everyday use, from browsing the internet to joining online classes, they’re a sustainable way to support our residents while reducing waste. Made available on a first come, first served basis to residents already engaged with our support services, these devices have Windows 11 already installed alongside apps including Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Through this initiative, we hope that residents will be able to stay connected with friends and family, access essential services such as healthcare, benefits, and online banking, and boost their skills with the tools needed for digital learning and personal development. And all of this completely free of charge, enabling people to save money by receiving a free device instead of having to buy one.
Making a difference
To date, 148 laptops have been refurbished and distributed to Clarion residents and local partners who work with us to run a network of digital hubs, with the rest due to be distributed over the coming months.
Katherine, one of our residents who applied for a laptop through this new scheme, said:
“This will have such a hugely positive impact on mine and my daughter’s life going forward. Allowing me to complete all of my online tasks and also allow my daughter to be able to complete her school assignments at home rather than at the library. Which will be so hugely beneficial for her especially as she has ADHD and high functioning ASD and struggles to complete her work in the busy library at her school.”
In addition, 280 ex-Clarion laptops are being repurposed for use by digital support delivery partners in our communities, providing a device loan scheme. Skillspool CIC provide digital support in Tower Hamlets and work from a foodbank and doctor’s surgery, and they were the first organisation to receive a batch of ex-Clarion laptops.
“We received 10 laptops which are all working. They exceeded our expectations as they are in excellent condition” said Dun from Skillspool CIC, who was able to distribute the devices to foodbank users.
Going green
Not only does this scheme offer huge benefits for our residents and communities, but it also contributes to our sustainability objectives.
By repurposing old staff laptops instead of disposing of them, we’re reducing waste and preventing electronic items from going to landfill, lowering our environmental footprint through reuse and recycling, and maximising value from existing resources to benefit our communities.
This circular approach means, wherever possible, Clarion laptops have a longer life and a bigger positive impact, for both residents and the planet.
Tackling loneliness and isolation
Alongside this laptop refurbishment programme, we’ve been exploring ways to expand our digital device scheme which offers free broadband or the chance to borrow a laptop, tablet or smartphone to stay connected.
Following a successful trial with 50 residents facing digital exclusion living in our over-55s housing schemes, supported by Housing LIN and the Hallmark Foundation, we’ve already started to include smart speakers such as Google Nest Hubs in our offer.
We know that being online can deliver significant social benefits, particularly for older people, including helping to tackle social isolation, maintain independence, support lifelong learning, and improve health and wellbeing. By adding these devices, we’re boosting all of these benefits as well as providing an easy way for people to access services, information and entertainment, set reminders and alarms, reduce isolation with hands-free calls to friends and family, plus control things like lights and thermostats.
Together, these two initiatives form a key part of our mission to make sure everyone has the tools, confidence and skills to get connected and thrive in a digital world.
By moving with the times and making sure we adapt our services as the needs of our residents and communities change, I hope that we’ll be able to make a bigger difference for those on the wrong side of the digital divide.