DPA Delivers Devices to Children and Families in Ealing

16 May 2025 12:48 PM

Laptops and tablets, once forgotten in drawers or waiting to be recycled, are now powering schoolwork, job searches, and online appointments across Ealing. Through a partnership between the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and Ealing Council, these refurbished devices have been placed directly into the hands of children and families who have long gone without access to essential technology.

Delivered through schools and local charities, the devices are enabling children to keep up with their education and allowing others – including older residents and refugees – to reconnect with essential services many take for granted.

In Ealing, more than 19 per cent of residents do not have access to a digital device at home. The consequences are practical: it makes learning harder, services less accessible, and everyday tasks more complicated.

This work is part of a wider national challenge. Across the UK, over 1.6 million people – and more than 270,000 in London – still do not have access to a digital device. In the weeks following the launch of the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, initiatives like this have become even more important, demonstrating how local communities can take action where it is needed most.

Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the DPA, said:

“This is what digital inclusion looks like in practice – real people in real communities gaining access to the tools they need to move forward. In Ealing, we are not talking about abstract numbers. We are talking about children who can now complete their homework without borrowing a parent’s phone. We are talking about neighbours who can now apply for jobs, pay bills, or speak with a doctor. That is the power of a simple device, put to the right use.

Councillor Steve Donnelly, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, added:

“In today’s digital age, access to technology is essential for academic success and equal opportunities for all generations. Providing children with the necessary tools to complete their homework and engage with online learning means we are bridging the digital divide and empowering students to reach their full potential. We want to ensure that everyone has access to necessary technologies to create a more equitable environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect and thrive.”

This initiative is part of the DPA’s broader mission to increase digital access and inclusion by working with local authorities, schools, and community organisations. By repurposing donated devices and directing them where they are most needed, the DPA is helping to expand opportunities and remove barriers to education, services, and participation in everyday life.

If you have an unused laptop or tablet at home, consider donating it to the DPA. Your old device could open new opportunities for someone in your community – helping them access education, find work, or simply stay connected.