Foodbanks and schools benefit from LJMU PC donations

Local foodbanks and schools are among the organisations benefiting from recycled computer equipment donated by Liverpool John Moores University.

Through the initiative with FRC Group, the university’s unwanted PCs are securely wiped and refurbished and then sold at low cost to organisations in the Liverpool City Region.

LJMU has so far donated 250 PCs that were no longer needed by the university.

Mark Nevitt, Head of Business and Stakeholder Services for the Estate and Facilities Management Team at LJMU, said: “We are delighted to be able to support so many key local organisations through this fantastic initiative with FRC Group.

“As we invest in newer PCs for our students, the older equipment is no longer required. However, it is still of an extremely high specification and can be a great resource for other organisations.

“At LJMU we place huge importance on our commitment to our city and our communities and this initiative is just one of many examples of that.”

One of the organisations that has received refurbished PCs through the initiative is St Andrew’s Community Network, which coordinates North Liverpool Foodbank and provides community-led money advice and mental health support.

Kevin Peacock from St Andrew’s Community Network said: “As a charity, it’s really difficult to justify spending on office equipment such as computers. 

“The partnership between LJMU and FRC group helped reduce these costs significantly. 

“Our IT system is now up to a modern standard, we are working much more efficiently as a result and our team of staff and volunteers can’t quite believe the difference it has made!”

Shaun Doran, CEO of FRC Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with LJMU on our PC recycling programme.

“The partnership means we are able to securely wipe and refurbish unwanted PCs ready to be sold at low cost to fellow charities and local schools, helping them to upgrade their IT systems within their limited budgets.

“We are also giving some of the refurbished units away to people in need, helping us to achieve our charitable mission to End Furniture Poverty. Although IT isn’t of course ‘furniture’, it is an item which is essential for many to live a decent life so we are pleased to now be able to include in on the list of essential items that we give away for free.”

(Below: volunteers at North Liverpool Foodbank)