Hi, and welcome to the second edition of: ‘What’s new with IT ReUse’ – a regular series of blog posts designed to keep you up to date with the latest IT ReUse news.

As I did in our first post, and will continue to do, I start by thanking our volunteers for their time and effort. Without them we would be unable to deliver our service in the way that we do – and we recognise the difference they are making alongside our paid staff.

This week we’d like to highlight some positive feedback from two of our valued clients: Nicola Wild of The Opportunity Centre, and Steve Bowles, Community Involvement Officer in the Council’s ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme.

Here’s what Nicola had to say about the difference IT ReUse has been making:

‘Thanks to devices from IT reuse I have had parents complete therapy, complete online learning, apply for (and get!) jobs, and thanks to having a laptop we could help a parent get [a] bid for housing [having taught her] how to bid. [On] her first try she was offered a beautiful new home straight away and is moving in next week. The work you guys do is amazing and I’m always so grateful.’

And Steve:

‘The Homes For Ukraine scheme in York has been accessing many Vodaphone sim cards from IT ReUse over the past 3 months, which have proved a vital resource for our new guests. As soon as new Ukrainians arrive in York with their hosts, we as a team meet them on an initial home visit and provide the necessary support and guidance they are entitled to (e.g. emergency payments, bus passes and their own UK sim card).  It is at this early intervention where they are given. 

The reasons why this is important:

Communication – with other friends/family in York & with those people who remain in Ukraine that they cannot be with – has been an essential aspect that 6mths free network use has enabled. Speaking to [family members] in Ukraine has been vital to/for Ukrainians arriving with us.

A second vital aspect, nearly as important, has been establishing people’s rights as soon as they arrive.  All of these essential tasks require a UK sim card: setting up Universal Credit, opening a bank account, registering with their local GP and talking/sharing with whomever over the city-wide 4G network (which their Ukrainian sims do not allow).

I thank you for all the help IT ReUse has given our service, as I’m sure the many, many Ukrainian people helped by us will also share the thanks I offer, in enabling and helping them during a very challenging period of resettlement for all.’

We thank Nicola and Steve very much for their kind words – they encourage us to continue to push IT ReUse on.

We also would like to issue an appeal for the donation of device peripherals as we are beginning to experiences shortages, especially of:

USBs (micro, type C, lightning), dock connectors (the large charging cables used by older Apple products), webcams, WiFi dongles, MiFis, laptop power adaptors and USB adaptors.

Any of these that readers could offer would be greatly appreciated and beneficial to the continued smooth operation of the project. If you would like to donate (peripherals or unwanted devices), please bring them to the Community Furniture Store where IT ReUse is based – that’s Unit 29 of The Raylor Centre industrial park on James Street.

And that’s all for this week’s update. Thanks to you all!