Techshare, Routes to Work and Digital Support
We’ve been overwhelmed at the response we’ve had to our new Techshare Scheme which was set up in response to COVID-19. Brian Weaver (IT & Employability Trainer) tells us more about the new scheme and shares some of the successes we’ve had so far.
Many people in Clackmannanshire do not have internet access at home or a device with which to go online. This has been exacerbated by the Coronavirus Crisis. People who previously accessed the libraries or community groups now have no means of getting online. This coupled with a greater reliance on the internet during the crisis i.e. accessing help, keeping in touch with families, the abundance of online activities that can be accessed etc. Vulnerable people, job seekers and the older generation are at a distinct disadvantage.
The Clacks Techshare Scheme began a couple of weeks ago with the aim of providing these people with recycled devices and getting them online. People can donate their old devices, which will be wiped/factory reset and given out to those in need on a first come, first served basis. Where the person has no internet access in the house we are trying to get them a Pay As You Go alternative. Devices can be set up for individuals if required. We have already been donated 31 devices, about half of these have been factory reset and we have now distributed 7 devices to those in need . These have ranged from tablets for kids to do their school work on, to a MIFI to allow jobsearch. We already have a number of people waiting of people on our waiting list lined up to receive devices once they are ready.
More on Routes to Work & Digital Support
Louise Orr (Team Leader for Volunteering & Routes to Work) outlines our digital work, including our new tech share project which was set up in response to COVID-19.
How To Donate
If you have devices you wish to donate, particularly old laptops & tablets then we want to hear from you!
You can complete our short online form HERE.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with Brian directly by emailing brian.weaver@ctsi.org.uk.
Know Someone Who Would Benefit From The Scheme?
Do you know someone who would benefit from taking part in the Techshare Scheme? Please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will see what we can do to help!
Email Brian at brian.weaver@ctsi.org.uk or call us at 07534 405043.
A Thank You to Our Supporters
We’d like to say a big take you to the organisations that have supported The Clacks Techshare Scheme so far, including Fusion IT Systems, Apex Scotland, Transform Forth Valley, Clackmannanshire Council, Dollar Community Development Trust, Sterling Precast, Resilience Learning Partnership, and many more…
We’d also like to express our gratitude at being awarded £3000 from the Scottish Government’s Supporting Communities Fund via The National Lottery Community Fund. We also received £2000 from the Corra Foundation towards this project too, for which we are extremely grateful. This funding will make a key difference to the people and communities living in Clackmannanshire during the COVID-19 crisis.
