A Chat With: Chris Hunnisett at Tubbs Computer Supplies
By Donna Fielder and Sarah Cronk
Every month, we speak to people working in digital in and around Eastbourne. We caught up with Chris Hunnisett at Tubbs Computer Supplies to find out more about how the CIC started and the kinds of work they do.
Chalk: Chris, we’ve heard various bits about you in the news previously - could you give us an introduction to yourself and your company?
Chris: "Tubbs Computer Supplies has been providing refurbished computers to local residents since 2013. We offer free IT disposal to companies and we sell higher spec computers and office equipment that are donated to us to cover our running costs, enabling us to supply our clients with a free computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
"I started this CIC as a hobby, helping out family and friends. I've learned as I've gone along; there has been a lot of support both from businesses and personal friends. We were on benefits and couldn't afford a computer - I managed to get hold of one for the kids to use, and realised there must be others in the same boat. Before I started this, I could turn a computer on and play games, and I'd done a couple of computer courses at college. I've had lots of jobs, ranging from working at McDonald's to a stud farm, and I used to teach martial arts.
"We give to those who ask - this used to be about 15 computers per month but, during the pandemic, it's exploded to 150 per month. It helps to bridge the digital divide: the devices are used mainly to help children keep up with their education, help vulnerable people with work, training and accommodation opportunities, and help older people combat isolation and make healthcare easier to access."
Who do you typically work with and support?
"We work with a variety of politicians, businesses and schools to get computers to those who need them, including our MP Caroline Ansell, Councillor Stephen Shing, Morrisons, Asda, Adult and Children's services, DWP, Reed in Partnership, Brighton Housing Trust, CityFibre and Eastbourne DGH.
"In terms of who we support, we provide devices to all ages in our community. For example, we've given a computer to a child who was getting detentions for not doing their homework. The school knew about us and knew the child didn't have a computer, so put us in touch. This child now does their homework and no longer gets detentions.
"We were contacted by adult social care asking for help for a former street homeless person; they had had both their lower arms amputated and were typing with their nose. We set them up with a PC with voice recognition software.
"We supplied a computer to one retirement home, and some mobile phones to another, so the residents could stay in contact with family and friends while isolating."
Why Eastbourne?
"I grew up in Eastbourne and moved around the country, but Eastbourne is where my heart is. This is the only place I have lived that feels like home."
How can we support you?
"We know that a lot of people get new tech gadgets for Christmas, so we have teamed up with some local Morrison's stores (Eastbourne, Crowborough, Hastings and Seaford) to make it easy for you to donate your old laptops, tablets and phones - please drop them off at the kiosk/customer service desk between 1st and 6th February.
"You can also vote for Tubbs Computer Supplies, through Asda's Green Token Giving scheme, which could secure us £500 from Asda Foundation.
"If you are able to help us out with time, donations or devices, you can contact us at enquiries@tubbscomputersupplies.org."
Hear more from Chris in his own words, as featured on BBC Politics South East on 19th October 2020:
