Staying Connected Initiative: Empowering Communities Through Digital Inclusion
Community Action Dacorum recently announced that it has secured a grant for the next three years from The National Lottery Community Fund for its Hertfordshire-wide digital inclusion project, ‘Staying Connected’. This groundbreaking digital inclusion project relies on the donation of second-hand equipment which means that there is greater digital access but also makes a significant impact on the environment.
The project works in partnership with Community Action Dacorum, Communities 1st, Community Alliance Broxbourne and East Herts, Watford & Three Rivers Trust, Welwyn and Hatfield CVS and North Herts and Stevenage CVS using each of our strengths and local knowledge and networks.
By donating second-hand equipment, businesses can play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide. Staying Connected ensures that all donated devices are securely wiped, providing a certificate of proof to guarantee the security and privacy of the donor’s data. This meticulous process has earned the trust of prominent organisations such as Lumina Technologies, Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), BUPA, and the NHS.
The Staying Connected project addresses the pressing issue of electronic waste. By repurposing used equipment, the initiative reduces the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new devices and disposal of old ones. This sustainable practice helps in conserving natural resources, minimising landfill waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Security is paramount in the donation process. Staying Connected employs industry-leading data wiping techniques, ensuring that all personal and corporate information is completely erased before the devices are redeployed. Donors receive a certificate of proof, providing peace of mind that their data has been handled with the highest standards of security.
‘Staying Connected’s initiative is not only a beacon of hope for digital inclusion but also a testament to their commitment to security and sustainability. We are proud to support an initiative that brings digital access to those in need while being environmentally responsible. Our partnership with them has been nothing short of exemplary.’ – Herts LEP.
Join in Making a Difference
Staying Connected invites businesses across all sectors to participate in this transformative project. By donating your second-hand equipment, you can make a lasting impact on communities in need while promoting environmental sustainability.
‘Please donate your redundant IT equipment to the project via your local CVS. We are particularly interested in making links with companies who wish to donate as part of their ESG or CSR strategies. All kit will be securely wiped and repurposed to help people in need,’ said Cindy Withey from Community Action Dacorum.
For more information on how to donate, please visit www.communityactiondacorum.org/services/staying-connected
