National Technology Company partners with York IT Charity

boxxe Limited, based on Eboracum Way in York supports major employers across the UK by providing computer security systems and the company has made a major donation of laptops and other items to ITReUse a special charity project that is based at Community Furniture Store in The Raylor Centre on James Street, York.

boxxe Limited, based on Eboracum Way in York supports major employers across the UK by providing computer security systems and the company has made a major donation of laptops and other items to ITReUse a special charity project that is based at Community Furniture Store in The Raylor Centre on James Street, York. This is the beginning of an ongoing partnership between boxxe and ITReUse that has been arranged by York Cares the employee-volunteering charity. 

ITReUse was set up to meet the needs of an estimated 4% of York’s population (that is about 15,000 people) who do not have access to basic computer and mobile phone services that others take for granted, such as benefit claiming, job applications, online banking and education courses; they also help people communicate with family and official agencies preventing isolation and service deprivation. 

The other important aspect of ITReUse’s work is that donated technology is recycled and reused and that it doesn’t become E-Waste which is a huge environmental concern. 

 Andrea Preston, Chief People Officer at boxxe said: 

“At boxxe it is important to us that we spend our time on impactful activities, delivered where they are needed most. Donating our time, skills and devices to a grassroots charity like ITReUse is an action that translates directly into social and environmental impact. By supporting ITReUse, along with other small charities, we are providing resources to the local community, and that matters to boxxe and our employees” 

boxxe's belief in the project has been underlined by their Community Partner, Laura: 

“Tom and the team’s passion for what they do and the impact they deliver is incredibly inspiring. As a small charity they have been a driving force behind the city’s digital poverty initiatives working tirelessly to make a difference to a prevalent issue facing so many. The team have been fantastic to work with, providing not only a vital service to the community but a positive volunteering experience to colleagues that have given their time to support with donations. I am glad we can support them in creating inclusive access to technology and all the benefits it can bring. I look forward to our continued partnership.” 

York Cares said: 

If you represent a business in York and are interested in donating devices, please contact tom@cfstores.org.uk for more information. All devices are completely and securely wiped of data using a third party program – documented proof of this is available for those who would like to receive it. 

Graham Mitchell, Chair of Trustees of ITReUse adds “With a goal to eliminate digital exclusion in York for good, the team have been working with York Cares and their employer network to get buy-in from those companies and organisations that regularly update their IT equipment to help local people. One of the biggest challenges faced by the project is securing a continual stream of high-quality devices to meet the ever-growing demand for the service. We are already seeing interest from other areas where the need is even greater in Selby, Ryedale and Scarborough, but we cannot expand the operation with our current resources".  

Fortunately, boxxe were able to support the work of ITReUse through a donation of their old kit, as well as their excellent staff volunteering time and talent. The fact that they are specialists in computer security is an additional endorsement of the project's quality and importance." 

Tom Meares, manager of ITReuse confirms that “we securely wipe everything from donated equipment and install user friendly software onto the now blank items. We are fully GDPR compliant and any organisation or individual seeking to change their laptops or PCs can rest assured that their data is correctly handled. All the equipment donated is then provided free to people in need that are referred to ITReuse by authorised agencies who work within the community. The project not only aims to help the community, but the environment too. Since inception, the team have saved over 1 metric tonne of e waste from incineration - 27 metric tonnes of CO2”. 

And the positive impact of the project doesn’t end with the provision of devices. Throughout the pandemic it provided a wellbeing hub for volunteers who came together to refurbish tech - supporting over 1250 hours of volunteer time. A kick-starter technician job role was also created in association with United Response – allowing valued staff member Tyler Potter to start what he called his ‘dream job’ after 5 years of unemployment: 

Tyler says “It’s my dream job so I like everything about it, but my favourite thing has been the sense of progression and experience gained. I’ve learned so many things and I’ve had so much experience with things that will really help me in my professional life.” 

Information about ITReUse

ITReUse was launched in July 2020 as a response to the digital poverty that was thrust into public consciousness by the pandemic. The scheme provides free refurbished devices across a broad charity referral network - reaching those facing isolation, mental health or family issues, as well as economic deprivation. 90% of applicants came from households with incomes under £15,000, and 44% of applicants were claiming disability-related financial support. 

Having started with just two laptops and two volunteers, the team have gone from strength to strength: partnering with a number of other not-for-profit organisations, as well as City of York Council. The team have provided over 220 devices across 30 partner organisations including Changing Lives, York in Recovery, IDAS and Age UK - making a huge difference to the lives of beneficiaries: 100% of beneficiaries used their device every week, while 30% reported using their laptops every day. 43% of recipients also reported using their laptop to access learning materials. 

You can find out more about ITReUse on their website - itreuse.org.uk