Computer Friendly received a request from an individual who has desperately been chasing a laptop and smartphone for several months. Once again we have been able to fulfill the needs of people desperately wanting to get online and improve their lives and prospects.

Thank you to all our generous donors who provide us with devices that are carefully refurbished and made fit for purpose before being passed on to those in need.

Computer Friendly started a project, during COVID, to refurbish and give digital devices to worthy causes in St. Albans and surrounding areas. The demand continues even today and so does our work. Here is a note of appreciation from one of the recipients.

David in explanation mode…..

We were pleased to welcome the Mayor of St Albans Cllr Anthony Rowlands accompanied by his Lady Mayoress Annie Stevenson to our regular Thursday DropIn at Marshalswick Baptist Free Church – not just to visit but to get help and advice!

Anthony:

‘I was delighted to visit one of Computer Friendly drop-in sessions along with the Mayoress, Annie Stevenson.  As someone who would regularly score a low  B- in any IT test, I know all too well how frustration can set in when digital confusion strikes.

Three cheers, then, for Computer Friendly who provide essential support to those of us who have not learned some of the basic competencies through the world of work or are regularly  baffled. They are a lifeline for so many in a world where living without basic IT skills is becoming harder.’

Annie:

Computer Friendly provides a vital service to prevent the social exclusion of older people who have lived through the digital revolution later in life, having been forced to adjust to a computerised world that was unknown in their formative years. Sadly, through the lens of age discrimination, older people’s worlds can become smaller and it is vital they are empowered and stay connected to their communities plus having all the benefits of being comfortable with technology that younger people enjoy. Even more important with the cost of living crisis. 

 It is not just a social issue, it’s a fundamental health issue as increasingly it is impossible to access essential services without going online. The digital divide  increases loneliness and isolation, the scourge of our society that the Mayor’s theme is highlighting. Computer Friendly is an essential service for older people to prevent decline in their physical and mental health and quality of life. We are so fortunate to have them in our district. 

The YMCA Asylum Project in Hoddesdon requested some laptops to help their residents who were attending college and Tony Bourke, Chair of Trustees, was pleased to be able to assist with the request.

The project manager, Salih Ismail, said that the recipients were absolutely delighted to receive the laptops to help progress their studies.

We would like to thank everyone who supports Computer Friendly by donating their unused laptops for refurbishment. If you have laptops that you no longer need we would be pleased to receive and refurbish them, giving them a new lease of life to be used for a good cause in the district of St Albans and surrounding areas.

In July 2023, Computer Friendly was delighted to supply 5 laptops to Sir John Lawes school as part of its refurbishment scheme.

Chair of Trustees Tony Bourke is pictured with Anita Joseph, Assistant Head of the school who organised the distribution to the most worthy families.

On 4th April 2023, Computer Friendly was delighted to be a part of the Harpenden Trust Seniors Fair at the Eric Morecambe Centre. The event was well attended with a constant stream of visitors throughout the day, and it was wonderful to meet some of our existing clients as well as new ones all looking to improve their digital skills.