Back in 2023, we launched our DigiUK Project to help bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged people in the UK. Since then, we’ve worked with 19 organisations to distribute more than 900 refurbished devices to people in need across the country, helping them access educational resources, support services and more.
We’re so proud of the impact we’ve had across the UK. The feedback we’ve received demonstrates the vital role technology plays in reducing barriers and fostering inclusion.
Project Feedback
Perth Minorities Association
Perth Minorities Association works to advance the education and community development of ethnic minority communities in and around Perth, ensuring everyone has access to equal opportunities. To support their mission, we donated a number of laptops, mobile phones and tablets to be distributed amongst beneficiaries within the local community.
From supporting students with their studies to helping asylum seekers stay connected with their loved ones and develop new knowledge and skills to support their transition, the donated devices have proven to be invaluable.
The laptop and the iPad have made a huge difference in my academic journey. Previously, I had been using the library and my friend’s laptops to do my coursework as I was not financially fit to purchase a laptop. Now, I am able to use my own laptop to do my studies successfully.
Clarion Housing
Clarion Housing provides supported housing for women and children affected by domestic abuse, homelessness or addiction.
The laptops donated to the organisation have provided a lifeline to several women and children in their refuge service, allowing them to continue their education online and access mental health support and other valuable resources. Beyond this, one resident has used one of the donated devices to complete a number of online courses and is now able to volunteer locally due to the work she has done, helping her to build new connections and settle into her new community.
University of Stirling
The University of Stirling is a Scottish university that’s committed to creating a positive impact, and their students are at the heart of this.
By providing a laptop to an undergraduate student who previously had no access to a device, we were able to give them access to the tools they needed to succeed in their studies and pave the way for a brighter future.
The refurbished device has been transformational for their learning experience, allowing them to complete online coursework and assignments, and access additional resources to support their learning. They add: “In this second semester, the laptop has proven to be a very important asset in enhancing and facilitating my academic work. Because of this laptop from Turing Trust, I hope to finish my second semester with ease, and it will definitely be very vital to me when writing my dissertation.”
Multi-Cultural Family Base
Multi-Cultural Family Base (MCFB) is a charity that supports ethnically diverse families in Edinburgh, offering everything from guidance through transitions to free, confidential support to people who have experienced or are at risk of abuse.
To support their projects, we provided a number of desktops and tablets, which have since been distributed amongst staff and beneficiaries.
Staff have been using the computers to manage databases, complete administrative tasks and improve internal and external communications. Meanwhile, the iPads have proven to be useful in MCFB’s children’s groups, working with young people to improve their emotional wellbeing, reduce their social isolation and develop new skills. In addition, three of the iPads have been set aside to support young people with additional support needs (ASN), loaded with educational and sensory apps.
The laptops have also been invaluable in supporting students with their studies, with a representative from MCFB adding: “The laptops really are a saving grace as many of our laptops in storage have died or are so slow they are unusable.”
Conversation Over Borders
Conversations Over Borders is a UK-based charity committed to ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to thrive in their new lives in the UK. To support their mission, we donated laptops, phones and tablets to the charity, enabling their clients to access English classes, mental health support and other vital online services, and most importantly, stay connected to their loved ones overseas.
Three of the phones were distributed to newly arrived asylum seekers housed in an initial accommodation hotel that we support in Brighton & Hove. These three individuals previously had no access to technology, leaving them reliant on volunteers. This reliance, combined with being unable to sign up to college before having been in the UK for 6 months, left them disconnected, socially isolated and stuck in a state of limbo. The phones were distributed alongside data-loaded SIM cards and have now enabled them to develop their language skills through our 1-1 online English classes and remain in consistent contact with their friends and family abroad.
Whilst Conversations Over Borders’ services are largely based online to reach people who don’t have access to in-person support, digital poverty and exclusion is so prominent amongst refugees and asylum seekers, that they were often left struggling to reach those individuals who needed their support the most. The devices we donated will enable more individuals to obtain the support and connection that they need from the charity.
One beneficiary adds: “I deeply appreciate the generous donation of the laptop. It has greatly aided my educational pursuits, enabling seamless access to online resources and facilitating communication with teachers and peers. Your support has been invaluable, I hope that I too can continue to help in the future.”
The DigiUK Project has shown just how transformative pre-loved technology can be. We’re so proud of the impact we’ve had, and with your support, we hope to continue providing the tools needed to create a more inclusive world.
Every device donated is a tool for learning and opportunity. If you have any unwanted technology to donate, please head to our ‘Give Computers’ page to learn more.
