WIREDGOV

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has launched Tech4Communities in Gateshead, opening 16 public drop-off points where individuals and small businesses can donate unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Each device will be securely wiped, professionally refurbished, and distributed to residents who currently face barriers to digital access.

This is not a short-term pilot. It is part of a proven delivery model developed by the DPA through initiatives such as Tech4YoungCarers and Tech4Youth – programmes that continue to demonstrate how secure, scalable device redistribution can be delivered with lasting local impact. In Gateshead, that model is being applied through a trusted network of libraries and community venues, ensuring that every device reaches the people who need it most.

Donations can now be made at the following locations:

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

Each refurbished device is distributed locally, with priority given to individuals and families currently excluded from essential services, education, and employment opportunities. Where needed, recipients are also supported with free mobile connectivity through Vodafone’s everyone.connected programme.

Councillor Freda Geddes, Mayor of Gateshead, 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, added: “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 am 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, noted: “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.”

The Gateshead rollout also reflects the DPA’s national leadership in device donation. As the UK Government’s delivery partner for its cross-departmental device donation scheme – announced in early 2025 as a central pillar of its digital inclusion strategy – the DPA is responsible for ensuring unused laptops from across government are refurbished and redistributed to households who would otherwise remain offline. This work draws on years of hands-on delivery experience, and is grounded in a model that combines national infrastructure with local coordination.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance, said: “Too many families are still locked out of essential services simply because they lack a working device. This initiative is about making practical support available where it is needed – quickly, securely, and through trusted local partners. Through this project in Gateshead, we are 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.”

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.”

If you are based in Gateshead and would like to register your interest in receiving a device, please email hello@digitalpovertyalliance.org.

Get involved

Every donated device helps someone take part – in education, in work, in society.

If your organisation is delivering – or planning to deliver – a local device donation initiative, we are ready to help you make it work.

And if you have devices to donate, we will help you get started.

Digital exclusion is not inevitable. With the right partnerships in place, it can be addressed. Effectively. Sustainably. And together.

Learn more about Tech4Communities