What set Rebooted apart from the beginning was its understanding of the prison system. The founder didn’t approach this project as an outsider with good intentions, instead he brought deep experience, insight, and established relationships within the UK. This wasn't merely a project; it was a solution born from real-world expertise.
The idea was born from a partnership between Coracle and the prison service, which introduced technology into prisons to support learning and skills development and was based upon the proven belief that digital literacy creates safer communities, by improving the chances of successful rehabilitation. That’s because prisoners with better digital skills are more prepared for life outside of prison and are better able to reintegrate into society; from buying train tickets to applying for a new job, people leaving prison need digital know-how if they want to unlock new opportunities.
As prisoners continued their education from inside with the help of Coracle, it became clear that there was a need to support more on the outside. That’s when the idea of Rebooted emerged.
Successful reintegration into society hinges on continued access to technology. Rebooted understood that reducing reoffending rates means supporting not just individuals, but entire families. This understanding led to the provision of secure, refurbished laptops for use by ex-offenders upon release.
Secure Access
Rebooted didn’t just stop at refurbishing devices—they created something truly innovative: a secure learning platform designed to bridge the gap between prison and home.
Our commitment to security has allowed prisons to support the program with confidence allowing us to tailor device access.
The Corporate Waste Realisation
In the UK, an estimated 12 million computers and laptops have been discarded into landfill over the past five years—that’s more than two million annually.
[Source: Business Waste, April 2024]
At the same time, corporations across the UK were regularly upgrading thousands of fully functional devices in pursuit of newer technology. Many of these were either recycled for parts or, worse, thrown away—while countless families and communities lacked the very tools being discarded.
We work to extend the lifespan of devices by installing a new operating system. This OS is supported for 10 years from the original manufacture date, meaning we can gain an additional six years of use from devices typically replaced after three or four.
A Vision for Community Transformation
As Rebooted evolved, its founder saw the potential for even greater impact. By supporting prisoners in continuing their education and helping their families stay connected, they built a model that benefits everyone:
- Corporates meet their CSR objectives through meaningful, measurable social impact.
- Prisoners gain skills, improved employment prospects, and are able to reconnect with family—key factors in reducing reoffending.
- Families stay together and supported, creating stronger, more resilient communities.
- Prisons see improved outcomes and stronger relationships with both inmates and the public.
Rebooted proves that with the right approach, old tech can build new futures.