PCrefurb was constituted in 2018 as an independent not-for-profit community group with the aim of “bridging the digital divide”. We are now a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Registered Charity Number 1184155, based in Glossop in the High Peak of Derbyshire.
Our objectives
- To harness and enhance the IT skills of vulnerable and hard-to-reach individuals and provide an opportunity for them to work together, to share their IT knowledge and improve their communications skills and prospects.
- To refurbish and recycle unwanted donated IT equipment to help prevent it being thrown away.
- To provide refurbished IT equipment at little or no cost to individuals, charities, community groups and educational establishments without access to IT or the means to acquire it.
- To provide digital skills training and advice for anyone who needs support using IT.
How do we achieve our objectives?
We are managed and run by a Board of Trustees, a staff team and many wonderful volunteers who support us with everything from recycling and refurbishing, teaching digital skills, collecting and delivering equipment, to finance and more.
We hold workshop sessions where volunteers refurbish IT equipment and help each other to use computers or other devices. Refurbished equipment is then provided to those without access to IT or the means to acquire it. We offer a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for participants and visitors.
In 2020 we were awarded a 5 year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.
We have since secured additional funding to deliver further exciting projects including:
Digital Link Project – funded by a three year grant from the Edward Holt Trust, working with, and alongside, organisations who serve people in crisis within Tameside, assisting with digital skills, equipment and connectivity.
Connect Against Crime – providing refurbished IT equipment and crime safety advice to vulnerable people, families and community groups in the High Peak, funded by the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Vulnerability Fund.
The Digital Wellbeing Project – improving digital skills in our local community with the help of volunteer Digital Champions and partner organisations, funded by the NHS.
Ongoing achievements
- Accepting individuals who have been referred into our refurbishment group through organisations such as drug and alcohol services and life skills courses, and supporting and encouraging these individuals to build their self-belief and confidence in their ability to succeed.
- Working closely with local, national and international businesses to obtain donations of IT equipment which would otherwise be scrapped.
- Providing refurbished IT equipment to individuals and organisations who otherwise could not afford such items.
- Delivering digital skills training to help people with what are now everyday requirements such as accessing public services, using online tools to improve their health and wellbeing, online banking and shopping, joining in social activities, engaging in training and education and more.
- In 2022 we were very proud to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK.
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PCrefurb is a member of the National Digital Inclusion Network, a UK-wide network aiming to help people use digital technology to become more included, access essential services and take advantage of the opportunities the internet provides.
PCrefurb is a founding member of the Digital Support Derbyshire Network. Coordinated by Rural Action Derbyshire, by bringing together individuals, communities, voluntary and statutory organisations the network aims to tackle digital exclusion across the county.
PCrefurb is a registered Third Party Installer under the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher programme.
PCrefurb is a member of the Disability Confident Campaign.
PCrefurb is registered with the Environment Agency, Registration number CBDL410472 and has a T11 exemption for repairing or refurbishing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).