Establisded in 2021, the Sandwell Digital Donation campaign is a partnership between Sandwell Council, Black Country Housing Group and Repc Ltd. It promotes digital inclusion by providing residents with essential technology and digital skills, ensuring everyone can access online services and participate in the digital economy.
The Laptops allow us to deliver a mental health course for Veterans struggling to adapt to civilian life. These devices have directly helped 25 learners regain their sense of belonging and purpose in life again.
Furthermore, the Veterans went on to support others who were struggling, by using the laptops when gathering information for their out-reach support work. This has improved the mental wellbeing of 158 plus veterans and family members. Feedback from the veterans revealed not only did this scheme improve their mental health but also the reduction of suicidal thoughts.
We would like to say thank you to Sandwell Digital Donations for this life changing donation, and helping STEPWAY support many more veterans who we would not been able to reach otherwise.
Founder & CEO of STEPWAY
I’m delighted that Sandwell Digital Donation is not only recycling unwanted equipment but redistributing it to people for whom it might be life changing. I urge businesses across the borough to see what they can donate.”
Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader
The generosity of residents and businesses has meant we have been able to refurbish and distribute devices through the year, but now there is a need for more. Since the scheme was launched nearly 200 computers and other devices have been donated through Sandwell Digital Donations to socially-isolated individuals.”
Project Manager at Black Country Housing Group
As a Volunteer Coordinator, I would like to continually work with BCHG to offer laptops to the most disadvantage Volunteers and support with them becoming more knowledgeable, increase their Digital Skills and upskill to progress with their careers.
Volunteer Coordinator – Smethwick Family Offer Oldbury & Smethwick Barnardos
It became apparent during the pandemic that a lot of our members have been left behind when it comes to technology. When we began offering Zoom sessions in exercise, art and a general get together a large percentage of our members were unable to join in as they did not have the means to connect with us.
As a result we began to offer a tablet loan service which has been well receive. The laptops which we have been lucky enough to have donated are a natural progression in our work to make.
The laptops donated by Sandwell Digital Donations are helping us in our work to make technology assessable to all. These laptops are used on site by our Digital Drop-In to give members the confidence to try technology out in a safe environment, whilst collaborating with their peers.
Manager, 291 Creative Hub
We are really grateful for the donation of laptops from Sandwell Digital Donations which we know will have a significant positive change in the circumstances of those who visit Brandhall Community Hub through money saved, other educational opportunities and enhanced prospects of finding employment.
Strategic Coordinator, Sandwell Churches Link
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for providing us with the reconditioned laptops you dropped off last week. For our maths and English work, the laptops will allow us to complete initial diagnostics, to see where people are at and then work alongside them to improve their skills. Through small group tutoring, we will also be looking at offering some basic computer skills training.
We are so pleased with the devices as they will support us in our working to assist residents with basic skills training such literacy and numeracy, as well as enhance our debt support offer .
The laptops will also enable us to complete work and research as part of our development of becoming a Community Money Advice (CMA) Connect Hub. We are grateful to the organisation who provided the equipment and hope they will be blessed in their work as they have blessed us in ours.
Director of Programmes, Life in Community
The support that you have given to our charity by donating 10 laptops , has been hugely beneficial to our Young Carers. It has enabled our young carers to access schooling and use it towards research for their education. Without your support our Young carers mental health would be effected and they would be isolated from their peers.
We are truly grateful for your donation. We also have a family whose mobility is very poor and a laptop has supported the parent enabling her to do things like order shopping and to chat with friends and for her daughter to access schooling online when she has to remain at home to care for her parent.
Young Carers Advisor, Sandwell Crossroads Care
