York Cares tackle the digital divide

During the pandemic, as our reliance on the internet for almost all aspects of life increased, so too did the digital divide.  Many people in our community were digitally excluded and therefore unable to access essential services; education or maintain connections with friends and family. To help get York connected, the IT ReUse was launched. A city-wide partnership involving City of York Council, York Community Furniture Store, Changing Lives and Age UK amongst others, the project aims to digitally connect residents through devices which have been donated by the general public or local businesses. Devices are then refurbished and repurposed before being distributed to people who have been identified as in priority need.

York Cares has been supporting the project since its inception, encouraging employers and employees to donate devices to the scheme. So far, the scheme has been able to donate over 130 devices, helping to bridge the digital divide in the city. The scheme is now in need of more devices to support those who need it most. If you would like to support the scheme by donating devices, please contact info@itreuse.org.uk