Council donates IT equipment to Blackburn Foodbank

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has donated IT equipment to volunteers and staff at Blackburn Foodbank, marking a pioneering step in digitally supporting a local charity.

As part of the council’s wider programme to replace staff laptops over four years old, a contract was awarded to Centerprise for the provision of new devices. The winning tender included a Social Value proposition: the donation of 50 additional devices to a charity of the council’s choice. Blackburn Foodbank was identified as a key partner to receive 30 devices including 20 laptops and 10 tablets.

This decision was made in recognition of the foodbank’s outdated equipment and its vital role in supporting residents across the borough. Blackburn Foodbank is a well-established charitable organisation that provides essential services including food supplies, assistance with job applications, and financial guidance to individuals experiencing acute hardship. The new technology will enable the organisation to enhance operational efficiency and extend its support to even more residents in need.

Councillor Shaukat Hussain, Executive Member for Digital and Customer Services, said:

“Blackburn Foodbank does such important work, and we are proud that we can provide IT equipment that will hopefully make the process of supporting the community easier for the staff and volunteers there.

“Thank you so much to the foodbank for everything you do to support the community, I know about the impact that you have and the big difference that you make.”

Corinne McMillan Director in the Chief Executive’s department visited the foodbank and met staff to present them with the equipment, she said:

“We are delighted to provide the foodbank with IT equipment for their operational volunteers. This will save them time and effort and make their operation more responsive and efficient through the use of the newest technologies.

“Our IT & Digital Staff will also provide some initial training and implementation support, and we will also involve our Adult learning Service to assist.”

The council is committed to supporting the delivery, implementation and maintenance of the IT equipment. It is also proud to use its purchasing power to enable digital inclusivity and support local charities.  

Gill Fourie, Operations Manager at Blackburn Foodbank said:

“I have been totally overwhelmed and emotional at receiving the laptops and iPads. Thank you so much to the council for making sure that we can train our volunteers to ensure we continue to support the community but also help our volunteers boost their digital skills.”

Devices are available to other Voluntary, Community, Faith, Social Enterprise (VCFSE) partners as part of the Digital Recycling scheme. Any partner that wishes to receive these devices can reach out to the Making Rooms to discuss this.