If you have got old devices, please consider donating them - whatever condition they are in.
Bring your unwanted items to a Changing Lives store and place them in the designated drop off area, we'll take care of the sorting from there.
If a donated computer is still viable, it’s typically refurbished and passed on to other charitable organisations or small businesses who are just starting out and need a digital lifeline. We make sure these machines are securely wiped, updated,
and ready to help someone take their next steps — whether that’s launching a
venture, managing admin, or supporting a community initiative.
We provide dozens of mobile phones each year to people in vulnerable situations — whether they’re seeking employment, escaping homelessness, or rebuilding their lives. A working phone can be a vital tool for job applications, staying in touch with support networks, and accessing essential services.
We’re big fans of computing history, and our team works hard to preserve and restore classic tech — from old Ataris and Commodore machines to vintage sound modules and early PCs. These treasures often become part of our demo collection, showcased at roadshows and events to help inspire curiosity and keep digital history alive for younger generations.
Most donated video and audio gear — camcorders, VHS players, tape decks and more — finds a new purpose in our dedicated video lab. Here, we painstakingly restore and digitally enhance people’s cherished memories, converting old cinefilm, camcorder tapes, and other outdated formats into high-quality digital
keepsakes.
We cannot work with Inkjet devices - Only Laser and Thermal printers, kitchen printers, till printers, and small portable printers can be reused. Domestic and
commercial inkjet printers run too much risk of leakage and we have often ended
up with our volunteers getting liquid ink on their clothes and skin trying to
service these devices.
Even if an item can’t be brought back to life, it still serves a purpose. We harvest viable components for future repairs or educational use, and responsibly separate the rest into appropriate recycling streams. By doing this, we ensure that as little as possible ends up in landfill.
