Our Activities
Digital Drop-ins
More Detailed Info
Catbytes runs digital drop ins in Lewisham. These are sociable events where people can come to learn internet skills. Catbytes are the host of these events, although the venue may be provided by a partner organisation.
- Are open to everyone.
- Can be visited without pre-booking
- Are free of charge.
Home visits
We also arrange one on one buddying sessions for people in their own homes. As there is a lot of demand for these, we only provide them to people who are unable to leave home.
Our Buddies
People are taught digital skills with Catbytes by volunteers who we call "buddies". Buddies sit with someone and guide them through the process of learning what they interested in. Click here to find out more about buddying.
Would your organisation like a digital drop-in?
Our digital drop-ins have a range of funders, including Lewisham Homes, Lewisham Council and Clarion Housing. If you would like to commission digital drop-ins please speak to us. We have a flexible pricing structure.
Device Distribution
Catbytes' device reuse initiative enables our clients to access high-quality technology free of charge. This provision depends entirely on hardware donations from the public and corporate partners.
- We refurbish all donated devices, executing complete hardware repairs when necessary.
- We securely data-wipe every machine to strict industry compliance standards.
- We install Windows 10 or 11 on machines meeting technical specifications, or deploy optimized Linux/Chromium operating systems.
- Devices come pre-installed with essential productivity tools, including LibreOffice, Zoom, Skype, TeamViewer, and modern web browsers.
Beneficiaries of the scheme are referred to us by partner organisations that support local people lacking digital access. There is no charge to referrers for membership or portal access.
Provision & Circular Support Terms
Devices are gifted to beneficiaries for long-term use to encourage permanent digital ownership. To support a sustainable local circular economy, we ask that if a recipient no longer needs or uses the device in the future, it is returned to Catbytes so we can responsibly recirculate or recycle it. If any technical problem develops with the device, we will gladly accept it back and provide a replacement machine. There is absolutely no cost to the beneficiary or referrer at any stage of this process.
If you would like your organisation to become a referrer to Catbytes, please contact us.
Support for local organisations
Catbytes has helped organisations with problems such as
- Building websites
- Providing organisations with donated equipment, such as desktop computers and monitors
- Setting up and managing email
- Setting up or troubleshooting internet/wifi
- Setting up ICT suites
- Helping clients and members communicate on Zoom
- Supporting organisations getting cheap software, especially if they have charitable status
Among the organisations we have helped are 2000 Community Action Centre, Stanstead Lodge, The Lewisham Irish Community Centre, Lewisham Local, The Ackroyd Centre, the Honor Oak Community Centre, Beyond the Bank, Ewart Community Hall, the Lewisham Pensioners' Forum, The DIamond Club, The Lewisham Community Falls Service, Agents of Change, the Lewisham Wellbeing Map and Lewisham Homes.
Would you like some support from us?
If you have something you would like to discuss, please reach out.