John Popham John Popham

Well, everyone else is doing it, so.... After the Guinness Book of Records turned down my attempt to get an entry as the only person in the world not to have a Podcast during the Covid-19 Lockdown, I decided that I had better bite the bullet and join in, So, here I interview Ben McKenna, CEO of Web Consultancy Totaal, and founder of Solidartech, a Community Interest Company which helps asylum seekers and refugees to get access to technology. Here we talk about the difficulties of making a living while doing something with a social purpose, why you shouldn't throw your old tech away (someone can always find a purpose for it), and what you can do to help someone who needs a bit of help in getting a computer. Hope you enjoy it.

Find out more about Solidartech at http://www.solidartech.com including how to donate a machine that could help a refugee.

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I was diagnosed with cancer in February 2020 see here

There are a small amount of lovely people who have been providing me with some financial assistance to help me get through this situation, which is obviously made worse by the current pandemic. I won’t say who they are because I am not sure they want me to publicise it; but I am extremely grateful.

If you feel like helping me out in any way, please get in touch or you can support me on a regular basis via Patreon or as a one-off here.

Thanks for listening. I hope to see you all again when this is all over. 

BBC Radio Leeds Breakfast Programme 7th April 2020

Richard Webb is Coporate Director of Health & Adult Services for North Yorkshire County Council 

Second local radio appearance in 2 days talking about this subject

Ironically the FaceTime line cut out as I was about to go on air and I ended up doing the piece down a dodgy phone line

I have rescued this audio which was orginally broadcast live on my Mixlr account. Digital Commonwealth was a project, led by the University of West of Scotland and funded by Big Lottery Scotland, which showcased the stories of the people of Glasgow and wider areas of Scotland in the lead up to, and during, the 2014 Commwealth Games.