Residents across Caerphilly County Borough are being urged to donate their old computer equipment as part of an ‘IT Amnesty’ to help people get online.
The campaign aims to recycle and refurbish old computers and mobile phones so others can use them
Cllr Ken James said: “Many of us find ourselves with old unused equipment gathering dust, such as laptops, mobile phones, computers or games consoles. This campaign aims to put these items to good use by refurbishing and recycling them back into our communities.
“There are a number of residents still not online and who don’t have access to the very equipment we hope to collect. This is a fantastic way for people to help others who don’t currently have access to the latest digital technology.”
Rose Davies, a young carer from Cefn Hengoed, is the latest recipient of a refurbished laptop through the scheme. Rose is an unsung hero and cabinet member of the Caerphilly Youth Forum who helps to take care of her mother. Providing Rose with a laptop will enabled her to get online and be able to do school work, and apply for vocational training courses.
The ‘IT Amnesty’ is driven by the local Get Caerphilly Online partnership, with support from Caerphilly County Borough Council, Partners IT, Communities 2.0 and the Get IT Together project,
Members of the public can donate their unwanted IT equipment at collection points across the county borough, from January 11 until January 18, 2013.
Details of public collection points are as follows:
Asda Caerphilly – Friday January 11
Libraries – Friday January 11
Genesis Bargoed Institute – Week commencing Monday January 14
Oxford House Risca – Week commencing Monday January 14
Penallta House and Pontllanfraith House Council Offices – Week commencing January 14
Asda Blackwood – Wednesday January 16 and Thursday January 17
Libraries – Friday January 18
The collection points will not be able to take televisions or broken ‘CRT’ computer monitors (old, non flat screen monitors).
Anyone donating equipment will need to remove any personal data needed from the equipment before it is handed in. Any data on the donated equipment will be securely wiped.
Businesses can also get involved in the Caerphilly IT Amnesty, simply contact Partners IT on 08456 446644 to arrange collection.
For more details about Get Caerphilly Online please visit www.getcaerphillyonline.org.uk