With schools closed to the majority of students, most children and young people are working from home. The government has allocated devices to schools in Bedford, but there’s still a shortage.

Now Bedford Borough Council is appealing to individuals and businesses to donate any spare laptops, tablets or smartphones to help to equip pupils.

In Bedford Borough, spare devices can be taken to Quotevine at the former Merton Centre on the corner of St Peter’s Street/St Cuthbert’s Street  onTuesdays and Wednesday 10am – 12pm.

Cllr James Valentine, Portfolio Holder for Education and Children’s Services said, “I am eternally grateful to the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bedford Blues Foundation, FACES, charities and religious groups for stepping up to fulfil this need. Please help if you can.”

All donations will be refurbished or recycled by Veritas Digital Service, to protect both your privacy,  and the children. They will also add any necessary packages and applications for learning. 

For more information and for other drop-off points across Bedfordshire visit www.bedfordshirelearninglink.com. 

What can be donated?

Laptops – These should be less than five years old and must still switch on. If possible, they should have a charger. 

iPads – Please ensure you log out of all associated accounts before donating, including iCloud. Reset to factory settings. 

Smart Phones – These can be taken and will help fund the refurbishments, but please log out of iCloud and reset to factory setting.