A TECHNOLOGY sharing scheme in the Wee County is allowing people to stay connected during the coronavirus crisis.

Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface's (CTSi) Techshare scheme, which took off during the Covid-19 lockdown, has seen people in Clacks donate their old devices to be sent out to those in need.

The initiative has given people access to the online world to keep up with studies, job searches or to just simply stay in touch with their family during challenging times.

One person recently benefitting was Cindy Somerville, a client of Clackmannanshire Council's employability service Clackmannanshire Works.

She had found herself unable to continue with online studies and job searches after her computer at home stopped working in the middle of lockdown.

However, she was supported with an HP Touch device through a referral after it was kindly donated by residents in Tullibody and reset to factory settings by the scheme's volunteers.

Brian Weaver, IT and employability trainer at CTSi, has been spearheading the initiative.

He said: "Many people in Clackmannanshire do not have internet access at home or a device with which to go online.

"This has been exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis.

"People who previously accessed the libraries or community groups now have no means of getting online.

"This, coupled with a greater reliance on the internet during the crisis i.e. accessing help, keeping in touch with families, the abundance of online activities that can be accessed; vulnerable people, job seekers and the older generation are at a distinct disadvantage."

Anyone keen to donate a working but unwanted internet-enabled device can email admin@ctsi.org.uk or call 01259 213 840.