Five hundred low cost recycled computers have been handed out by the city council since its reuse scheme was launched at the start of the year.
Just how effective they are proving to be will be demonstrated tomorrow when council leader Barbara Janke will meet one of the recipients. Malcolm Chappell, who is visually impaired and currently looking for work finds his refurbished laptop invaluable.
“I have used it on a daily basis – it has been vital tool in my job hunting but also as a communication tool using email and facebook, as well as for every day use,” said Malcolm who lives in Kingsdown.
Barbara Janke added: “Bristol has a well-developed and successful digital creative sector and plays host to world leading companies such as Aardman. But we want the opportunities that come from being a connected digital city spread to all our residents.
“The computer recycle scheme is a great example of this. The feedback we’ve received from recipients and the numbers applying show there is a real appetite to get online and make the most of the net.”
The council has been inundated with applications from residents, and also offers of old computers from businesses in the city. To date 1,500
people have applied to join the scheme which is being delivered on behalf of the council by local community based company Byteback.
Some 20% of applicants are over 65 while 25% have a disability, 45% rate their IT skills as low and more than 20% have never been online.
BT is backing the campaign to tackle digital exclusion by sponsoring a three-year post in the city focused on working with older people and those with disabilities.
