All the staff at Barnabus rely heavily on laptops to access support systems, make referrals, and communicate with partner organisations. With support for Windows 10 being phased out this October, Barnabus faced a critical challenge. Our ageing devices will no longer be suitable for the demands of day-to-day work and replacing them poses a big financial hurdle.

Enter Community Computers*, a not-for-profit organisation that refurbishes and redistributes IT equipment to support digital inclusion. Recognising the urgent need, Community Computers donated eight fully refurbished Windows 11 laptops to Barnabus in July. This timely contribution helped to ensure that we will be able continue its frontline work without disruption. By working together, Barnabus and Community Computers have shown how collaboration in the charity sector can overcome challenges and extend the reach of vital services.

Thanks to Community Computers coming to the rescue Barnabus can continue to support Manchester’s homeless population on their journey off the streets. We are glad to have Community Computers provide our digital backbone helping our work continue into the future.

Adam, our Office Manager writes, ‘Laptops & phones are how the modern world functions, but we also live in a world where items are thrown away, without a thought of whether they would be valuable to someone else. As IT kits become more expensive it is more important than ever for firms to donate, if they can, to places like Community Computers who have the expertise to wipe data from existing IT kits and who have the skills to refurbish items to give them a new lease of life. It is also vitally important that we try to keep as much out of landfill as possible as we try to become environmentally sustainable.’

*Community Computers is a not-for-profit IT refurbisher using industry leading destruction equipment and a comprehensive audit, tracking and reporting process. Working in partnership with Manchester City Council, Stockport Council and Trafford Council, we exist to tackle digital exclusion, unemployment and e-waste through repairing and refurbishing donated tech. The scheme is delivered by registered charity Renewal North West (1145056).