A Melksham-based initiative that recycles and reuses technology has won a BBC Radio Wiltshire Make a Difference Award for its efforts to tackle the UK’s growing e-waste problem.
Wiltshire Digital Drive, a community interest company, took home The Green Award at this year’s ceremony for its significant push to reduce technology waste and provide refurbished laptops to families in need. Director Natalie Luckham expressed her delight at the recognition, “We’re over the moon to have won. It really feels like recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in. It was very rewarding to be acknowledged in this way.”
Natalie explained that the project began during the lockdown, sparked by a campaign she ran through her other business. “A client of mine, an IT firm, noticed that some children who were homeschooling lacked access to technology. We started a drive for second-hand laptops to be donated, which we refurbished and gifted to those children. The project was so successful that, after the furlough scheme ended, we decided to establish Wiltshire Digital Drive to continue addressing digital poverty.
“Our aim is to contribute to a circular economy. We refurbish laptops and computers and gift them to people who might not otherwise afford the technology and the opportunities that come with it.”
The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to make life better for others. The Melksham community, in particular, has benefited from Wiltshire Digital Drive’s work. “We’ve gifted MacBooks to the Melksham Music Project and Melksham Music and Drama to help young people engage with online music,” Natalie said. “We’ve also supported various charitable organisations in the area and helped local schools by providing laptops to children identified as unable to afford them.” Wiltshire Digital Drive also maintains a donation station in Melksham, located behind A L King Roofing, where members of the community can contribute to their cause.
The awards ceremony took place on Saturday, 7th September, at the De Vere Hotel in the Cotswold Water Park.
Pictured: John (IT Volunteer) Graham Rogers (BBC) Natalie Luckham (Director), High Sheriff of Wiltshire, John and Natalie
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