Tech4Communities
Closing the Digital Divide – One Device at a Time
Across the UK, too many families are still locked out of the digital world. According to the Digital Poverty Alliance’s Tech4Families report, 86% of parents struggle to afford laptops or tablets their children need for schoolwork.
In a society where everything from homework to healthcare is moving online, access to technology is no longer optional – it is essential. The Tech4Communities device donation programme is a practical, place-based response to this national challenge. It ensures that students can learn, jobseekers can apply, and older residents can stay connected to the services that keep them safe and well.
Technology that Transforms Communities
These are not just devices. They are doorways to opportunity.
Laptops, tablets and phones – donated by local residents and small businesses – are professionally wiped, refurbished, and distributed to those who need them most. Any laptop, tablet or phone that cannot be reused are safely recycled or used for spare parts.
The initiative supports children, families, older adults and isolated residents – enabling access to education, employment, public services, and everyday communication.
Thanks to Vodafone’s everyone.connected programme, each recipient also receives a free SIM card, helping them get online immediately and stay connected.
A Local Response to a National Issue
Tackling digital exclusion requires joined-up action. This programme shows what is possible when communities, councils, and charities work together.
Through trusted local partnerships, we enable individuals and businesses to donate their unused laptops, tablets and phones. Each device is refurbished to the highest standards by accredited providers, and redistributed to residents who would otherwise be left behind.
It is a simple idea with profound impact – proving that digital inclusion can be built, block by block, borough by borough.
Current programmes
Gateshead
The Digital Poverty Alliance, in partnership with Connected Voice and a network of local partners, is now ready to begin the next phase of Tech4Communities in Gateshead. Laptops, tablets, and smartphones collected through the programme have been securely wiped, professionally refurbished, and prepared for redistribution across the area.
The programme is open to Gateshead residents of all ages. Whether someone is completing schoolwork, searching for employment, managing caring responsibilities, or simply wanting to stay connected with family and friends, they are encouraged to apply. Laptops and tablets are available for residents of all ages, while smartphones are available for residents aged 16 and over.
By applying, residents are not only gaining access to essential technology. They are also part of a wider community effort to reduce e waste and make sure unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones find a meaningful new purpose in Gateshead.
How it works
Applying is simple: complete the online application form, or paper form, with your details, and list a professional who is unrelated to you who can act as your verifier. They will then be contacted automatically to ask them to confirm that you are in need of one of these devices. After verification is confirmed, and the application approved to receive a device, the DPA team will ship the device to the address listed on the application.
Please note that resources are limited. Meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the application form does not guarantee a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Redistribution will depend on availability, and successful applicants will be contacted once a refurbished item is ready to be allocated. All laptops, tablets, and smartphones are securely wiped and professionally refurbished before being distributed.
For those verifying applications, please review the full Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility
The programme is open to residents of Gateshead. Laptops and tablets are available for residents of all ages (with applications being made by parents or guardians for under 16s), while smartphones are available for residents aged 16 and over. Items will be distributed fairly to help ensure they reach those who will benefit most.
How to apply
If you or someone you know would benefit from a refurbished laptop, tablet, or smartphone, we encourage you to apply today.
Applications must be completed using the application form below or by downloading a printable copy here, and either posting or emailing a photograph to us. As part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide basic information about their household and their current access to technology. Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting.
Isle of Man
We are now opening applications for young people aged 11–18 on the Isle of Man to receive a refurbished laptop.
How it Works
Through Tech4Communities, the Digital Poverty Alliance is working with SQR to place 15 securely wiped and refurbished laptops into the hands of students aged 11 to 18 on the Isle of Man in this first phase of the programme. Families can apply directly, and schools or other educational providers can also support applications. A teacher or other verifier may be asked to confirm that a student would benefit from access to a laptop.
All laptops are securely wiped and professionally refurbished before they are distributed. For those verifying applications, please review the full Terms and Conditions.
For those verifying applications, please review the full Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility
This phase of the programme is open to students aged 11 to 18 on the Isle of Man who need access to a laptop to support their education. Applications can be made by families, or with support from a school or educational provider.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know would benefit from a refurbished laptop, we encourage you to apply.
Applications must be completed using the application form below or by downloading a paper copy here, then either posting it to us or emailing a photograph of the completed form. As part of the application, applicants will be asked to provide basic information about their household and current access to technology.
Please note that this initial phase is limited to 15 laptops. Completing the application form does not guarantee that a laptop will be available. Devices will be allocated based on eligibility and availability, and successful applicants will be contacted once a laptop is ready to be assigned.
Please note: Businesses wishing to donate should Contact Us.
Isle of Wight
We are now opening applications for young people aged 11–19 on the Isle of Wight to receive a refurbished laptop.
Digital access on the Isle of Wight is shaped less by broadband coverage and more by whether young people have a suitable laptop they can rely on. For those aged 11 to 19, lacking a device at home can make it harder to take part in online learning, complete schoolwork, and build the digital skills needed for education and employment.
The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has been working with Island organisations to collect unused laptops so they can be securely wiped, refurbished, and redistributed across the community. These devices are now ready to be placed directly into the hands of young people who need them most.
How it Works
Please note that resources are limited. Meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the application form does not guarantee a device. Distribution will depend on availability, and successful applicants will be contacted once a refurbished device is ready to be allocated. All devices are securely wiped and professionally refurbished before being distributed.
For those verifying applications, please review the full Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility
You can apply for a refurbished laptop if:
- You are aged 11 to 19
- You live on the Isle of Wight
- You do not currently have access to a suitable laptop at home
How to Apply
If you or someone you know would benefit from a refurbished laptop, we encourage you to apply today.
Applications must be completed using the application form below or download a printable copy here. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide basic information about your household and your current access to technology. Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting.
Please note: Businesses wishing to donate should Contact Us.
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (Now Closed)
The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, has launched the next phase of Tech4Communities. Last year, residents and businesses donated unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which were securely wiped and refurbished. These devices are now ready to be redistributed to people across the borough who need them most.
The programme is open to residents of all ages. Whether you are a student completing schoolwork, a jobseeker applying for opportunities, a carer managing responsibilities, or an older resident wishing to stay connected with family and friends, you are invited to apply. Laptops and tablets are suitable for application by anyone, while smartphones are available for residents aged 16 and over.
By applying, you are not only gaining access to essential technology – you are also part of a community effort to reduce e-waste and ensure that unused devices find a powerful new purpose here in Kensington and Chelsea.
How it Works
Please note that resources are limited. Meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the application form does not guarantee a device. Distribution will depend on availability, and successful applicants will be contacted once a refurbished device is ready to be allocated. All devices are securely wiped and professionally refurbished before being distributed.
For those verifying applications, please review the full Terms and Conditions.
Eligibility
The programme is open to residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Laptops and tablets are available for residents of all ages, while smartphones are available for residents aged 16 and over. Devices will be distributed fairly to ensure they reach those who will benefit most.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know would benefit from a refurbished device, we encourage you to apply today.
Applications must be completed using the application form below or download a printable copy here. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide basic information about your household and your current access to technology. Please review the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting.
Please note: This phase of the project is now closed for donations.
You can make a difference
Every donated device gives someone the tools to participate – in learning, in work, in society.
This initiative is built on partnership, generosity, and the belief that no one should be excluded because they cannot afford a device. With your help, we can reach more families and extend the life-changing power of digital access to those who need it most.
To learn more or explore future opportunities to donate, contact us: hello@digitalpovertyalliance.org.
Extending our reach through your support
Digital access is no longer a luxury – it is a foundation for education, employment, and participation in everyday life. Yet for too many households, the lack of a working device remains a barrier.
Your support helps us go further. With every contribution, we can refurbish more devices, reach more families, and ensure more people have the tools they need to engage fully in a digital society.