Partner Article

believe housing partner with Protech to turn redundant technology into community support

Housing association believe housing is giving unwanted technology a new lease of life by diverting working equipment away from landfill and donating it to local groups where it can make a real difference. 
The not-for-profit landlord, one of the biggest providers of social and affordable housing in the region, is recycling laptops and mobile phones that are no longer needed by the organisation but can still be put to good use. 
Colleagues are matching surplus working IT equipment with groups that have previously received community funding and would benefit from extra devices to support their work. 
Protech Group, which looks after believe housing’s end-of-life IT equipment, securely wipes all data from devices before they are reused. 
The first recycled laptops went to Hiyed, a Bishop Auckland-based community interest company that supports adults whose health or learning needs can make it harder to find work. 

Colin Tempest, Director of Technology and Digital Solutions at believe housing, said: “We’ve partnered with Protech for almost a decade to ensure our end-of-life IT equipment is managed to the highest security standards, so it can be reused or recycled without any risk to sensitive information.” 
“Donating working equipment to local groups doing valuable work helps turn that commitment into practical impact.” 
“It means using our resources wisely, cutting waste and making sure community organisations have the tools they need to support people.” 
“Groups like Hiyed play a vital role in creating healthy, sustainable communities. By supporting them, we’re helping more people access opportunities and move closer to our vision of life without barriers.” 

 
If you know a not-for-profit organisation working in the areas where believe housing operates, and which could benefit from equipment now or in the coming years, believe housing would like to hear from you. 
Please email communitygrant@believehousing.co.uk, outlining the type of equipment you need (laptops, tablets or phones), how many devices you require, when you will need them, and how they will be used to benefit your organisation or the people you support.

The Community Investment Team will review your request and assess eligibility alongside the availability of suitable equipment.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Catherine Priestley .