So much of what we do today relies in having access to technology. Children's education, people's work and access to public services almost always requires some access to IT. The Covid-19 pandemic revealed just how difficult it is for low-income families, isolated members and recently settled refugees to access this vital resource. It's a problem that the most vulnerable have been struggling with for years and the problem won't simply go away now the pandemic is over. Too many are on the wrong side of the digital divide.

DonateIT was established following the successful Laptops4learners campaign spearheaded by Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton and Frome, Cllr Sarah Dyke. The initial campaign has paved the way for communities across Somerset to run their own local schemes and provide refurbished technology and digital access to those that need it within their area.

Sarah said: "Since we launched the scheme in February 2021 our community schemes have collected nearly 3,000 items of tech, and nearly 500 items have been repurposed and donated back to those in need. It's an amazing achievement and it just keeps growing, thanks to the generosity of people across Somerset. Not only are we giving people access to IT, we're also saving items unnecessarily going to landfill, so the initiative is both friendly for people and for our planet.

"Many people will have been lucky enough to receive new IT devices as a Christmas presents so please donate any unwanted IT to the scheme. Also, have a rummage at home for any other items you may no longer need and donate them too. All IT is securely stored and personal data is wiped immediately it arrives in the warehouse. "

Simon Barfoot from DonateIT said: " It is estimated that on average five items of technology are left unused in our homes having been replaced by newer products. On top of this many organisations and companies have upgraded their IT and have valuable office space taken up by spare and outdated IT, all of which would be perfect donations for the scheme.

"In our area alone there are probably enough unused IT devices to make sure every child who needs a computer or laptop can have one. We still need many more devices to meet the demand."

DonateIT, supported by Frome Town Council and the Health Connections team at Frome Medical Practice are holding their second tech amnesty in the car park of the Town Hall on Saturday 21st January between 10am – 1pm.