A Council campaign to tackle digital exclusion across Trafford has provided a huge boost to the borough's community organisations.
Trafford Council has supported 14 groups in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) with a donation of 45 refurbished desktop computers.
The investment is helping organisations create new opportunities for residents, reduce digital exclusion and strengthen local services.
The devices, donated by The Christie and refurbished by Community Computers, are also helping them replace ageing equipment and make better use of limited resources, allowing them to focus more time and support on the communities they serve.
The VCFSEs benefiting from new desktops computers are Little Green Sock; Trafford Hongkongers CIC; Solid Purpose Community Change CIC/ Trafford Bar Studios; AM Celebrating Autism in Greater Manchester; WETA Community Services CIC; Stretford Public Hall; The Counselling and Family Centre; Fikawelie Mental Health CIC; Silver Screen Community Films CIC; Voluntary and Community Action Trafford (VCAT); Sale Moor Community Centre; the St John's Centre; Voice of BME Trafford and Just Psychology CIC.
At VCAT, the eight devices are being used to create a hotdesking and incubation space to support the VCFSE community across Trafford, with a particular emphasis on new or smaller organisations. The new space will offer them high-quality IT facilities and a supportive environment where they can meet and learn from more established charities.
Another recipient, Stretford Public Hall, plan to create a digital drop in space within their Community Hub to help residents to get online and complete essential online applications and forms. Residents will also be able to get one to one help and support from digital volunteers within the Public Hall’s regular ‘Get Online!’ sessions.
The Counselling and Family Centre will install their desktop computers in counselling rooms to allow them to grow their online counselling service. These computers will mean that more people will be able to access the support they need, in the way that best suits them.
Cllr Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said:
“Community organisations play a vital role in supporting residents across Trafford, and we're delighted that the Tech4All Community Desktop Programme is helping them do even more. From digital skills and community learning to counselling and online access, these computers are helping organisations expand their services, support more people and create opportunities for those at risk of being left behind digitally.
"This programme is a great example of what can be achieved when businesses, community organisations and the Council work together to support local people, and we're incredibly grateful to The Christie for their generous donation and Community Computers for helping give these devices a second life."
The Community Desktop Programme forms part of Trafford Council's wider Tech4All initiative, which works to reduce digital exclusion by improving access to devices, connectivity and digital support. By refurbishing and reusing technology, the scheme also helps reduce electronic waste and gives equipment a second life in local communities, schools and VCFSE organisations. Since its launch in 2024, the Tech4All initiative has saved thousands of end-of-life business devices from landfill.
These donations have supported over two hundred schoolchildren who would otherwise have struggled to complete homework online and helped hundreds of residents to get online and stay connected, helping them access services and opportunities. Any businesses who are interested in donating devices for refurbishment are encouraged to contact Trafford Council at digitaltrafford@trafford.gov.uk.