RE(YOU)S In Practice

RE(FIX)

Keeping People Connected

The Opportunity

Digital technology has become part of everyday life. Accessing education, employment, healthcare and public services increasingly relies on being connected.

At the same time, many people face barriers to digital inclusion. Sometimes that's because they don't have a suitable device. Sometimes they have the technology but lack the confidence or support to use it.

RE(FIX) brings together organisations, volunteers and community partners to help remove those barriers.

How RE(FIX) Works

RE(FIX) combines technology, practical support and community partnerships to help people stay connected.

This includes:

• Preparing and refurbishing devices.

• Supporting access to the #CovConnect Device Bank.

• Providing one-to-one technical support.

• Building digital confidence.

• Creating welcoming community spaces where people can ask for help.

RE(FIX) in Practice

Working with President Kennedy School

Through our partnership with President Kennedy School, families experiencing digital exclusion were identified and referred to RE(YOU)S through our role as a registered #CovConnect Device Bank partner.

Our volunteers prepared laptops before they were gifted to families, helping people access education, employment, healthcare and everyday opportunities.

Central Hall Methodist Church Tech Drop-ins

Our RE(FIX) Crew Tech Drop-ins provided a welcoming space where people could bring their devices, ask questions and receive one-to-one support.

Some people needed help getting started with a new laptop.

Others wanted support accessing online services, updating software or solving everyday technical problems.

Every conversation started with understanding the person's needs, not the device.

What We Learned

We discovered that success isn't measured by how many people return.

Often, people didn't come back because they no longer needed support. They had gained the confidence to continue independently.

When people did return, it was usually with a new question or a different challenge, knowing there was a trusted place where they could ask for help.

This changed how we measured success.

The aim wasn't to create dependency.

It was to build confidence, encourage independence and ensure people knew support was there whenever they needed it.

Evidence in Practice

President Kennedy School

I know one parent was really grateful as she was using her phone for emails and having a Laptop is so much better. Her daughter also uses it for Homework. The other students have commented that they really found the Laptops as they can now do Homework.

Volunteer Reflection

It went really well, Natasha. I really enjoyed it, especially helping anyone who was struggling with technology and knowing we'd made a real difference in someone's life. It was a really good session, and I'm really proud to be part of the RE(YOU)S family.

What's Next?

Technology continues to evolve, and so do the ways people use it.

RE(FIX) will continue to work alongside businesses, schools, community organisations and volunteers to extend the life of technology while helping more people stay connected or get connected.

Whether that's preparing devices for a new home, providing one-to-one support at a community tech drop-in, or helping someone build the confidence to use technology independently, our focus remains the same: creating opportunities for people to participate fully in everyday life.

How Could Involved With RE(FIX)?

There are many ways to be part of RE(FIX).

Businesses and organisations can redirect surplus technology so it continues creating value within local communities.

Schools and community organisations can work with us to support people who would benefit from access to technology or practical digital support.

Volunteers can share their skills, gain experience and help others stay connected.

Individuals can access support if they're looking to stay connected or get connected whether that's learning how to use a new device, overcoming a technical problem, building digital confidence or accessing a refurbished device through our role as a registered #CovConnect Device Bank partner.

Every conversation starts with understanding what matters to you.

If you'd like to explore how RE(FIX) could support you, your organisation or your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Every device has the potential to create opportunity. Every partnership has the potential to strengthen community. If you'd like to explore what's possible, we'd love to start a conversation.