Digital Poverty Alliance brings free laptops to London students and schools

In the UK, the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) has launched a device redistribution initiative in Ealing, West London, providing laptops and tablets to children in local schools and to individuals without access to digital technology.

The effort is part of the broader Donate Your Device scheme, which refurbishes donated and recycled devices for community use.

Local schools receive refurbished devices

In partnership with Ealing Council, the UK-based scheme is currently delivering laptops and tablets to schoolchildren and local charities. Devices are sourced from public donations and recycling, then assessed, refurbished, and redistributed to individuals who need them to complete homework, engage in online learning, or carry out basic digital tasks.

The program also extends to support adults at a digital disadvantage, including elderly residents and refugees.

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

“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.”

Addressing gaps in access

According to the council, more than 19% of Ealing residents do not have access to a digital device at home. This lack of access can limit individuals’ ability to apply for jobs, pay bills, or book medical appointments — all of which increasingly rely on online platforms.

The initiative follows the release of the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which highlights ongoing inequalities in digital access across the country.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said:

“This initiative has been a great way of Ealing residents taking real action to support their community. With over 1.6 million people in the U.K. and over 270,000 in London alone, not having access to a digital device, so many are being left behind and are in need of support to ensure they can get online.

“In the weeks following the launch of the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, the importance of schemes such as the Donate Your Device Scheme in Ealing becomes that much more apparent. Through donating, refurbishing and redistributing devices, we can continue to bring people back online and get unused devices out of drawers and into homes that need them.”