University of Lancashire Donates Refurbished Laptops to Support Young People at Preston's Vault Youth Zone
By Community Correspondent
The University of Lancashire has donated 10 refurbished laptops to Preston's new Vault Youth Zone, helping young people gain vital digital skills and improve their future employment prospects.
The HP 15-inch laptops have been repurposed through the University's partnership with RecycleIT, which provides sustainable solutions for redundant IT equipment. Representatives from both organisations delivered the devices to the new youth centre ahead of its opening.
Located on Tithebarn Street opposite Preston Bus Station, Vault Youth Zone will provide a safe, inclusive space for children and young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.
The facility will offer more than 20 activities alongside employability support, mentoring and access to trained youth workers.
The donated laptops will be used to help young people access online learning, build digital skills and prepare for education, training and employment.
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Natalie Dugdale, Chief Operating Officer at Vault Youth Zone, said the donation would strengthen the charity's employability programmes.
She said: "Access to reliable technology is essential for helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need for their future.
"These laptops will enable more young people to take part in our programmes regardless of their circumstances, removing barriers that could otherwise hold them back."
Dharma Kovvuri, Director of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Lancashire and a board member at Vault Youth Zone, said the donation reflected the University's commitment to supporting the local community.
He said: "It's incredibly rewarding to know this equipment will benefit children and young people across Preston. It's a practical way for the University to make a lasting difference while giving technology a second life.
"Vault Youth Zone has been more than 15 years in the making and is the result of the dedication of local organisations, partners and supporters who believed Preston's young people deserved an outstanding facility."
RecycleIT Sales Manager Carl Greenwood said the donation also demonstrated the environmental benefits of refurbishing technology rather than disposing of it.
He added: "Projects like this support both our local communities and our sustainability goals by ensuring valuable equipment continues to make a positive impact."
The donation follows a similar initiative last year, when the University provided 12 refurbished laptops to Preston's Foxton Centre.
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The University also has close links with Vault through its degree apprenticeship programme.
Two apprentice youth workers are currently employed at the centre while studying Youth Work and Community Practice at the University, with two more apprentices due to start later this year.
One of those apprentices, 21-year-old Gemma Unsworth, said access to technology can have a significant impact on young people's confidence and opportunities.
She said: "Having the right equipment makes a real difference when young people are developing digital skills. It's especially meaningful to see the University supporting the young people we work with, and these laptops will create even more opportunities to prepare for education, employment and future careers."
The University of Lancashire was the first institution in the UK to introduce the Youth Work and Community Practice degree apprenticeship, helping address skills shortages while supporting the next generation of youth workers.
