Got a spare laptop or tablet? Why not donate it?

We chatted to Jack Simpson from Hyde Park Book Club, about Digital Access West Yorkshire - a new project that's he's part of which takes donated laptops and tablets and passes them on to people who need them in Leeds and Bradford.

You can watch our conversation with Jack here:

Jack explained how Digital Access West Yorkshire was set up in response to the COVID-19 epidemic - to help to get laptops and tablets to people who need them - at a time when being digitally connected has mattered more than ever.

The idea is pretty simple - you can donate your laptop or tablet to DAWY - who will then wipe the machine's data - before passing it on to people who could benefit from it. They work with local organisations - such as LS14 Trust and Seagulls - to find people who can benefit from the donated machines.

They've also recently been running a campaign to encourage people to donate laptops and tablets that they can then pass on to schools - to support children and young people who don't have access to IT at home.

There's more information on what they can accept on their website - in summary they are looking for machines which work, are safe and run a minimum of Windows 7. Ideally they should be under 5 years old. If you're unsure whether to donate your laptop or tablet, you can check with them first.

Alongside donating a laptop or tablet, there are other ways to get involved - including volunteering.

Or perhaps you could help by collecting a few laptops or tablets from friends, neighbours or work colleagues - like Stuart Clarke from Leeds Digital Festival did recently?

For up to date info on times you can drop off equipment at Hyde Park Book Club (obviously things may be subject to change because of Covid 19), have a look at the DAWY website - or follow them on Twitter.

We think this is a great example of a grassroots project that is meeting a real social need - whilst also bringing important environmental benefits by keeping equipment in use for longer.

If you have electronic equipment to get rid of - that won't be of use to DAWY, there is more information about recycling electrical items in Leeds here.