Tech4Communities: Can you donate your unused tech to help someone reconnect?
A new initiative has launched in Gateshead to collect used devices from residents to refurbish and redistribute to individuals and families who need them most.
We're working with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and Connected Voice to call on local people to donate their unused but working laptops, tablets and smartphones at drop off points around Gateshead.
Our communities will benefit significantly from the Tech4Communities project, which will refurbish and redistribute your unwanted devices to help other Gateshead residents to access key services such as education, welfare advice, health information and employment support.
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.
Donations can now be made to the following community drop off points:
And at 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 in 2026.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said: "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."
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 tucked away in a drawer? Bring them to one of the local donation points and help a neighbour, friend or fellow Gateshead resident get online.
Drop-off is simple, secure, and local, and all devices will be professionally wiped so all date is removed. Please remove SIM cards and SD cards from phones, tablets, or laptops before handing them in.
A new initiative has launched in Gateshead to collect used devices from residents to refurbish and redistribute to individuals and families who need them most.
We're working with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and Connected Voice to call on local people to donate their unused but working laptops, tablets and smartphones at drop off points around Gateshead.
Our communities will benefit significantly from the Tech4Communities project, which will refurbish and redistribute your unwanted devices to help other Gateshead residents to access key services such as education, welfare advice, health information and employment support.
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.
Donations can now be made to the following community drop off points:
And at 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 in 2026.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said: "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."
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 tucked away in a drawer? Bring them to one of the local donation points and help a neighbour, friend or fellow Gateshead resident get online.
Drop-off is simple, secure, and local, and all devices will be professionally wiped so all date is removed. Please remove SIM cards and SD cards from phones, tablets, or laptops before handing them in.
