At Hoop, we've always believed in giving back to our community and finding ways to make a positive impact. Over the past month, we've had the pleasure of partnering with various charities and organisations to repurpose our old computers. Rather than letting these devices go to waste, we decided to donate them to people who need them the most, supporting local projects and reducing waste in the process.
One of the first organisations we partnered with is Parents Voices In Wales, a group dedicated to supporting parents and carers with an online network, resources, and signposting to services. They strive to transform mental health services in Wales so that children and young people receive early help that meets all their needs at any stage of their life. Our computer donations will aid their efforts in providing crucial resources to families in need.
Another incredible charity we've collaborated with is Huggard. For over 30 years, Huggard has been providing specialist, ongoing support and accommodation for people who are homeless in Cardiff. They are open 24/7 and work tirelessly to care for those experiencing homelessness and have nowhere to call "home." By donating our computers, we are supporting Huggard's essential services and helping individuals in our community regain stability and independence.
Cardiff Council’s ARC program provides and arranges numerous care services to support families with children. Their ARC program delivers intensive and therapeutic interventions to young people across Cardiff. Our donations will help Cardiff Council improve relationships within families and enable young people to remain living within their family homes.
Newydd Housing Association has also benefited from our computer donations. Scott, their Digital Inclusion Officer, shared with us the amazing work they do and how our computers will help their most vulnerable tenants. "We started the project during lockdown as we noticed a lot of social isolation. Vulnerable tenants without access to equipment were extremely isolated. They needed equipment to get online, communicate with friends and family, and access government services."
They have launched a new digital inclusion initiative, placing the donated PCs in communal lounges across their Independent Living Schemes and creating dedicated spaces for tenants to explore the digital world.
One tenant shared their experience: "I've used the computer set up in the lounge to video call family living in Australia. The PC has not just connected me to the internet, it has connected me to my family." Another tenant mentioned, "I've used the PC to update my CV and apply for jobs. Before the device was installed, I had to get on a bus and go to the local library."
Autistic Minds UK empower and equip autistic adults to advocate for themselves by improving access to support, education, employment, and social opportunities. Our computer donations will help them reach their full potential and build more independent lives.
Additionally, KidCare4U from Newport collected some of our computers for their incredible initiatives. Through their translation service project, they're not only bridging language barriers but also creating job opportunities for women in Newport. They're also supporting the Newport Yemeni Community Association (NYCA) by providing a dedicated space for young people to study and access free WiFi.
As we continue to donate our computers, we are proud to contribute to meaningful projects that benefit our local community. We encourage other organisations to do the same and donate any old or redundant devices to support digital inclusion initiatives.
