Bulky Bob’s launches refurbished IT equipment programme for schools

In light of the government announcement to Headteachers that they will receive far fewer laptops for distance learning than they were first promised, Bulky Bob’s are providing high quality refurbished computers, at a fraction of the price, to schools as part of their pledge to End Furniture Poverty. They also donate 20% of all refurbished computers to families living in poverty.

The announcement that the allocation of computers to disadvantaged pupils has now been reduced by a massive 80% came just two days after the government used its Covid-19 emergency powers to impose a new legal duty on schools to provide remote learning to any pupil unable to attend lessons because of the pandemic.

Much-loved Merseyside headquartered Bulky Bob’s have collected pre-loved items from residents and business across the region for many years and ensured these items benefit those most in need. 

In these difficult times it’s sad to think that there may be families out there sharing beds or sleeping on the floor, or without basic furniture items. Items collected by the Bulky Bob’s collection service are reused where possible, being refreshed and fixed then sold at the Bulky Bobs Furniture World London Road site in Liverpool which is open to the public Mon-Fri 10am until 4pm. This is why it’s crucial items left for collection are protected from the elements as much as possible prior to collection, to give them the best chance of being reused. 

Refurbishing IT equipment is the latest in a long line of innovations to ensure those who need essential items, such as computers for our young people, can get hold of these, hence the launch of Bulky Bob’s Reuse IT. 

CEO of Bulky Bob’s, Shaun Doran commented:

“Items such as computers are often in great condition when businesses decide to purchase new equipment. Our mission as a group of charities under the FRC Group umbrella is to End Furniture Poverty, and this includes data wiping and refurbishing computers which are often very high-spec, and making them available for schools to bulk buy at a fraction of the price of new equipment.

“Schools have been left in the difficult situation with a legal obligation to provide remote learning where needed, but 80% less computers being made available to them than was initially promised. We are pleased to be able to help and welcome talking to any schools interested”

Those interested in the refurbished computers for schools can email [email protected] or call 0151 305 5201.

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About FRC Group - https://www.frcgroup.co.uk/ 

FRC Group’s vision is of a society where people can obtain good quality, affordable furniture without experiencing the devastating impacts of furniture poverty – no bed to sleep on or unmanageable debts.

Our mission is to reduce and ultimately eradicate furniture poverty. We campaign to raise awareness of furniture poverty and create practical solutions to get furniture to people who need it. Our work also helps create sustainable employment and better futures for people.

Bulky Bob’s was created in 2000 by FRC Group, a Liverpool social enterprise and charity. Bulky Bob’s has held the bulky household waste collection service with Liverpool City Council since its creation and also delivers collection services for Oldham and Warrington councils.

Bulky Bob’s uses the contract to obtain good quality preloved furniture to give away to people in need, working with a wide network of referral agencies, from charities to support groups. Bulky Bob’s also runs Bulky Bob’s Furniture World, a Liverpool shop selling preloved furniture at low prices.

Bulky Bob’s delivers an award-winning salaried training programme, Driving Change, offering training and support to help local people get the experience and qualifications to move into sustainable employment and over 300 people have successfully completed the scheme.

Bulky Bob’s is part of FRC Group, a charity with the mission to End Furniture Poverty. As well as campaigning, FRC Group also runs Furniture Resource Centre, selling new contract standard furniture to social housing providers across the country.

Bulky Bob’s Office and Commercial Waste provides a wide range of commercial waste collection and removal services, from confidential shredding to paper and packaging, IT equipment and office furniture collections and removals.