The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is launching a Tech4Communities initiative in Gateshead to tackle digital poverty and e-waste across the area by collecting used devices from residents, refurbishing them and redistributing them to individuals and families who need them most.
The DPA is calling on local people to donate unwanted and disused laptops, tablets and smartphones, at drop off points around Gateshead. With around 33,000 (16 per cent) people in Gateshead living in one of the 10 per cent most deprived areas of England, as reported by the Gateshead Council, the Northeast of England is recognised as the most digitally deprived region of England.
Local Gateshead communities will benefit significantly from the refurbishment and redistribution of devices, with those receiving devices, either through referral from local community organisations or self-referral, being able to access key services such as education, welfare, health and employment. Not only will recipients benefit from the device itself but will also be provided resources to learn digital skills and media literacy.
Digital exclusion continues to impact an estimated 19 million people across the UK and while national strategies, such as the recently launched Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which aims to tackle digital poverty by 2030, help to drive progress at a national level, local initiatives are vital to bolster these wider goals and ensure that no one is left behind.
This project builds on the DPA’s experience running successful device donation schemes in other parts of the country. National research indicates there are more than 55 million unused mobile phones in UK homes, with 16 per cent of households admitting they hold onto technology despite being unlikely to use these devices again. This is largely due to 44 per cent of households being unaware of how to get rid of devices in a way that minimises environmental impact.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “Digital exclusion is one of the defining inequalities of our time and it’s unacceptable that so many people are locked out of opportunities and access to essential services simply because they don’t have access to a device.
Through this project in Gateshead, we’re not only helping to close the digital divide but also tackling the growing issue of e-waste. By working hand-in-hand with local communities, we can ensure that unused technology is put to powerful use, connecting people to education, employment, healthcare and more to create long-term, lasting and meaningful change.”
The work is part of a proven delivery model developed by the DPA through initiatives such as Tech4Families and Tech4Youth, programmes that continue to demonstrate how secure, scalable device redistribution can be delivered with lasting local impact.
Donations can now be made to the following community drop off points:
- Green Heart Collective
- Teams Life Centre
- Chopwell Regeneration Shop
- St Chads
- Birtley Community Centre
Gateshead Libraries:
- Birtley Library
- Chopwell Library
- Crawcrook Library
- Dunston Library
- Gateshead Central Library
- Leam Lane Library
- Low Fell Library
- Pelaw Library
- Rowlands Gill Library
- Whickham Library
- Blaydon Library
Over the coming year, with funding provided through Connected Voice using North East Combined Authority (NECA) funding, the project will collect, refurbish and prepare devices for redistribution, culminating in distribution in 2026.
The Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Freda Geddes, said: “Tech4Communities will help people who are currently less connected to the online world to access education, jobs and health support, as well as connect with friends, family and our wider communities in new ways.
“Refurbishing and recycling tech that can still be used also helps us to create greener and kinder communities in Gateshead, which we all benefit from.”
The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Gary Haley, said: “The digital divide is a significant problem when it comes to education, as homework and learning resources continue to move online.
“This project will support more young people to access what they need outside of educational settings. I’m delighted to be able to support the launch of this project and encourage Gateshead residents to donate their unwanted tech for our communities to one of our new donation points.”
Councillor Maria Hall, cabinet member for Localities, Communities and Volunteering, said: “This project launching in Gateshead recognises our borough as leading the way in volunteer and community led activity. Back in 2022, the North East Combined Authority received a report that showed 200,000 homes in our region did not have any access to a digital device.
“Not being able to access information and communicate digitally is a huge disadvantage and can lead to education, social, health and financial inequalities. This project will assist in reducing the number of people unable to access services and information others take for granted every day.”
Lisa Goodwin, CEO of Connected Voice, said: “Tech4Communities brings together the local libraries, volunteer-led libraries, VCSE and grassroots organisations to work in partnership and help reduce digital poverty in Gateshead.
“This donation drive represents a crucial step for the whole community to come together and donate their unwanted laptops, tablets and phones to support those in the area who are not able to connect. This project is helping to create more opportunities for Gateshead residents to access education, employment, and vital services.”
Have an old laptop, tablet, phone or even spare cables tucket away in a drawer? Bring them to one of DPA’s local donation points and help a neighbour, friend or fellow Gateshead resident get online. Your unused tech could be the lifeline someone needs for learning, working and staying connected. Further information can be found here.