Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Activism

Your RORA idea: Could old computers breathe new life into communities?

Reader Jenny Mindell wonders whether community projects to recycle old computers could be good for more than just the environment

Hi,

I have just ordered a new computer to replace my seven-year-old one. The current one works perfectly and could easily be used by someone in the ‘Catch 22’ described in the recent edition [1432] of The Big Issue.

I have had to change it because it uses an operating system that is no longer secure so I am not allowed to log on through a VPN to my university to access shared folders.

Support The Big Issue and our vendors by signing up for a subscription

I thought that if someone can arrange collection points or collect them directly then:

  • People like me could donate unwanted but usable computer (or other) equipment
  • People with IT skills who are on furlough or are retired could volunteer their time to update these or to train others to do so
  • Unemployed people (but not necessarily ballet dancers!) could be given IT skills to learn how to repair or update computers
  • People who don’t have a computer but need one to apply for jobs or to do schoolwork or university course work during lockdown could be given these computers as a gift or on longterm loan.

Maybe the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation would donate Windows 10 operating systems and/or Microsoft Office software? Or sell it at a substantial reduction? I’d be happy to pay for mine to be updated but having bought a replacement, it can still go to someone who needs it.

Jenny Mindell

Do you have your own big ideas on how we can prevent homelessness and protect jobs in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic? Let us know at rora@bigissue.com

Big Issue vendors need your help now more than ever. More than 1,000 vendors are out of work because of the second lockdown in England. They can’t sell the magazine and they can’t rely on the income they need.

The Big Issue is helping our vendors with supermarket vouchers and gift payments but we need your help to do that.

Please buy this week’s magazine from the online shop or take out a subscription to make sure we can continue to support our vendors over this difficult period. You can even link your subscription to your local vendor with our new online map.

Thank you all so much for your ongoing support.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
I'm an Israeli who helped survivors of 7 October attack. Here's why we need a ceasefire in Gaza
War in Gaza

I'm an Israeli who helped survivors of 7 October attack. Here's why we need a ceasefire in Gaza

100 students die by suicide at university each year. These parents are fighting to change that
Mental health

100 students die by suicide at university each year. These parents are fighting to change that

Gail Porter on going from TV star to homeless and the power of having your own washing machine
Furniture poverty

Gail Porter on going from TV star to homeless and the power of having your own washing machine

UK can learn valuable lessons from how this Leeds suburb came together after riots
Community

UK can learn valuable lessons from how this Leeds suburb came together after riots

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know