Over 100 ready-to-use laptops have already been donated to groups and residents, giving access to online tools, saving huge amounts of carbon emissions and reducing the need for brand-new items.

The thinking behind the scheme came about after a digital transition at Kingdom, which meant that some kit wasn’t needed anymore, but was perfectly usable.

Kingdom had no need to hold on to the stock of digital equipment, so set about donating the repurposed kit to local groups and residents. With laptops, chargers and four monitors included, the devices were ready to use and a welcome addition to community groups and people who couldn’t have otherwise owned one.

Groups that have so far benefited include two community centres in Kirkcaldy, plus Sauchie Resource Centre in Clackmannanshire, the Thrive to Keep Well Project in Alloa, and Rural Skills Scotland. Kingdom also donated to the St Andrews Environmental Network. Devices there will be used for energy advisors, some were passed on to community members and eight were given to support the work of the Tailor Ed Foundation, which provides wellbeing services to families with an autistic child.

The digital inclusion project spearheaded by Kingdom’s Tenancy Support Services (TSS) team is another example of the wider social impact the housing association is having, reinforcing the mission of providing “more than a home”.

TSS team leader Abi Fox-Donnelly said: “The third-sector groups we donated to all noted how invaluable the devices will be. One centre in Kirkcaldy said how it will help one of their regular locals book a caravan holiday he’s been looking forward to.

“When we started this, we were aiming for people to have access to devices that could help with job searches, employability, accessing benefits, entertainment and travel, connecting with people, education, reporting repairs and just improving life skills on the whole. We’re so pleased with the way we’ve managed to make this happen for people from across Scotland.”

Beyond the community inclusion aspect, the environmental benefits also make for impressive reading. Just 20 repurposed laptops led to carbon emissions being reduced by 1,000kg, a reduction in landfill waste, and another 200kg of carbon emissions saved from the raw material mining, manufacture and distribution needed for brand-new devices. Recipients said that without the scheme, they would have bought new.

Kingdom’s Sustainability Officer Annelise Miller said: “As much as we need big changes and innovative thinking to meet our sustainability goals, this scheme reminds us that small, common-sense steps can also have a big impact. By giving the devices a second life, we are benefitting the planet while directly supporting our customers and community.”

The scheme is still active, and anyone wishing to get involved can contact Kingdom at tenancysupport@kha.scot.