Reboot IT For All CIC receives £100,000 of donated tech to support communities across North Staffs

A community interest company based in Newcastle-under-Lyme is helping to close the digital divide in North Staffordshire after receiving the equivalent of £100,000 worth of donated IT equipment.

Reboot IT For All CIC has secured significant donations of old and unwanted technology from organisations across both the public and private sectors. Once received, every device is fully data wiped, refurbished where needed, and then redistributed to disadvantaged groups, charities, and schools locally who would not ordinarily have access to the IT they need.

Recent donations include 40 laptops from the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, 60 tower PCs from a local cyber security firm, 300 webcams from Staffordshire Police, and 100 keyboards and mice from the University Hospitals of North Midlands.

Ten of the donated laptops have already been passed on to the YMCA Hanley, where they are already making a difference. Once refurbishment is complete, further devices will be distributed to organisations including The Saltbox, which supports vulnerable and elderly people, and VAST, which supports the voluntary sector.

Adam Whitehouse, founder of Reboot CIC, said:

“Too often, old technology is written off before its time. At Reboot, we collect, data-wipe, and refurbish donated devices, turning them into a lifeline for people who need them most. A laptop or PC can be a lifeline into education, jobs, services, and community. These donations will make a real difference in people’s lives.

“The combined value of the donations equates to more than £100,000 worth of new IT equipment, proof that with the right approach, when it comes to technology, “end of life,” doesn’t have to mean end of use. We have already donated ten laptops to the YMCA and to hear what an impact they will have is fantastic.”

Gyaps Antwi, Associate Director of Supported Living at the YMCA, said:

“These laptops will make a real difference. Reboot’s donations will help create real opportunities for young people to explore where life can take them.”

For residents at the YMCA, the impact is already personal. Eighteen-year-old Isiah Ellerton, who has lived there for seven months, has ambitions to work in social care and health. He said:

“I’m on the youth governance team here and also love writing. I need to do powerpoints and write up documents, which isn’t always easy on a phone. Having access to a laptop is going to really help, especially as I look to pursue a career in health.”

Twenty-year-old Troy Bentley has lived at the YMCA for a year and hopes to work in the technology sector. He said:

“I love coding and struggle to access what I need to with the IT I have access to today. The fact that these laptops have the latest Windows OS, which many people will take for granted, is amazing. It opens up a whole world that previously would have been difficult to access.”

Alongside equipment donations, Reboot CIC is also appealing for volunteers, particularly those with an interest in IT. Volunteers are needed to help wipe and reimage devices, ensuring they are safe, secure, and ready for future use.

“This is a real chance for people who love tech to give something back,” Adam added, “Whether you’re an IT professional or just someone who enjoys tinkering with computers, your time and skills could directly change lives here in Staffordshire.”

Anyone wishing to donate equipment can contact Reboot CIC by emailing donate@reboot-it.org.