Refurbished computers donated to Frome families

A digital inclusion organisation has donated 12 refurbished computers to families in Frome who need help getting online.

The 12 iMac desktop computers were donated along with a laptop by the Digital Poverty Alliance through a partnership between Donate IT, Frome Medical Practice and Frome Town Council.

The families are supported by the council’s Welcome Hub, which is part of Somerset’s Welcome to All Partnership. It provides practical help to families settling into life in Frome, including support to get online if needed.

Frome town councillor and Donate IT trustee Anne Hills said, “This is a wonderful example of community action in practice. By working together, we’re helping families access the tools they need while reducing waste and giving technology a valuable second life.”

Simon Barfoot, founder of Donate IT, said, “We’re hugely grateful to the Digital Poverty Alliance for donating these iMacs and helping us give them a valuable second life. These computers can open doors to learning, employment and essential services, as well as helping families stay connected.”

Will Palmer, digital connector at Frome Medical Practice, said the latest distribution built on the partnership’s work to tackle digital exclusion by connecting people with technology and support.

Residents can donate unwanted laptops, tablets, smartphones and other digital devices at Frome Town Hall during opening hours. Devices are securely wiped of data before being refurbished and passed on to people who need them, or recycled if they cannot be reused.

A recent Tech Amnesty at the town hall collected 527 unwanted digital devices, including 240 phones, 99 laptops and 94 tablets. The items weighed more than a tonne in total.

To find out more about Donate IT, visit donateit.co.uk.

Pictured: Cllr Anne Hills and Chris from Donate IT with Nataliia, Oleksandr and Yuliia