A new community drive is calling on residents and businesses to clear out their drawers and donate unwanted laptops, tablets, and smartphones to help locals who are locked out of the digital world.
While getting online is now essential for everything from applying for jobs and booking GP appointments to schoolwork, many people are still being left behind. Across Britain, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 adults currently lack the digital access they need to get on in life.
To tackle the issue locally, Hounslow has teamed up with PayByPhone and the Digital Poverty Alliance to launch a device donation campaign. The initiative aims to give old tech a second life, connecting the community while keeping electronic waste out of landfill.
Donated devices will be securely wiped of all data, fully refurbished, and then handed directly to Hounslow residents who need them most.
Cllr Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Safety at Hounslow Council, said:
We all have old phones or tablets gathering dust at home. What might seem like an outdated piece of kit to one person could be absolutely life-changing for someone else in our borough. We are urging everyone to see what they have spare and drop it off. It is a quick and easy way to make a massive difference to a neighbour's future.
Donating is completely secure and straightforward. Residents and local businesses can find their nearest drop-off location online and hand over their devices knowing they will be safely wiped and rehomed.
To find your nearest drop-off point and donate your unwanted devices, please visit: https://www.paybyphone.co.uk/dydh
