Somerset-based not-for-profit Donate IT has handed over its 1000th device to a local resident in digital need. A Ukrainian refugee has received a refurbished laptop from Simon Barfoot of Donate IT and Frome's MP Sarah Dyke.

Donate IT was established in February 2021, the brainchild of Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome Sarah Dyke - who was then portfolio holder for the environment on South Somerset District Council - and IT reuse specialist Simon Barfoot of Blackmore UK. 

During lockdown, Sarah Dyke became aware that many children in Somerset didn't have appropriate IT at home and that vulnerable people weren't able to access services online. She promoted the new scheme and unwanted IT equipment soon came flooding in. With Simon's expert help, the donated devices were put through an industry standard data wiping process and immediately repurposed.

In the two and a half years that Donate IT has been in operation, approximately 16 tonnes of obsolete equipment has been removed from local homes and small businesses and kept out of landfill. Nothing goes to waste. A single mobile phone contains more than 30 precious metals and rare earth minerals and for every one that is recycled or repurposed, new resources aren't required. Any devices that Donate IT can't redistribute are sold, with the profits ploughed back into the community enterprise through the circular economy. 

The digital divide is a growing issue, but one that Donate IT is passionate about addressing. The laptops they refurbish enable refugee children to complete their homework after school, rather than risk alienation from their peers by staying indoors to use a school computer at lunchtime. The mobile phones they donate allow homeless people to stay in touch with friends and family and stand a better chance of getting work. The tablets they hand out make it possible for children and young people with diabetes to spend less time in hospital and more time enjoying their lives.

Donate IT has expanded significantly since 2021 and a wide range of organisations are now signed up to the scheme. They include Frome Primary Care Network, NHS Paediatric Diabetes and Prama Care. Full details of more than 30 drop-off points across Somerset, North Somerset and Dorset can be found on Donate IT's website:  https://donateit.co.uk/

Sarah Dyke Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton and Frome said: "It's extraordinary to witness just how far Donate IT has come since I had that initial conversation with Simon back in February 2021 and I'm delighted to see the 1000th device being handed over today. Digital exclusion is a very real issue in Somerset, with many young, vulnerable, isolated and unwell residents unable to access the opportunities they need. Donate IT's work is often the catalyst that brings about positive change in people's lives, and recycling and reusing tech helps reduce waste and tackle climate change."

Simon Barfoot of Donate IT and Blackmore UK said: "After 30 years in business, it's a joy to witness the smiles that Donate IT is able to generate through its work. They're our 'profit' and that's incredibly humbling. I'm really grateful to the people of Somerset for their generosity and also to Sarah for her vision in setting the ball rolling. Donate IT is making a real difference to recipients' lives and I take so much pleasure in that."

Will Palmer, Digital Health Connector at Frome Medical Practice said: "I work with a range of different partners in the community, including the library, local police, doctors and nurses, Jobcentres, probation officers and the food bank, and through them, we're able to identify and meet digital need. Donate IT is a great example of joined-up thinking and it's been really fulfilling to be involved with the project, both in my role as a digital health connector and as a volunteer."