This week, #MadeInSandwell Monday is celebrating the Sandwell Digital Donation initiative, aimed at redistributing unwanted equipment and narrowing the digital divide.

With digital technology playing an increasingly vital role in our lives, those without access can feel excluded and disadvantaged. Research shows that 5.9 million adults in the UK have never used the internet, including 3.3 million disabled people. Sandwell Digital Donation collects equipment that is no longer needed, reconditions it, then redistributes it to local families, to combat inequality and help narrow the digital divide.

Run in partnership by Sandwell Council, Black Country Housing Group and West Bromwich social enterprise Repc Ltd, the project team collects old PCs, laptops and tablets from business premises, ensures all data is deleted safely and legally, then repairs and reconditions the equipment before passing it on to households within the borough. If the equipment can’t be reused, then Repc will ensure it is disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. All free of charge.

So, if you have a pile of old computers sitting neglected in a store room, they could soon be helping people in your area apply for a job, find a support group, develop skills, access education, order groceries or make connections on the other side of the world. For more information, or to book a collection, visit the Repc website.

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.