This month, Tech-takeback has seen an 800% increase in urgent appeals for free laptops to support digital inclusion. We need your help. Donate or fund a laptop, change a life and generate up to £43,000 verified social value per device.
Tech Takeback: How We Create Social Value
Tech Takeback is a Brighton-based not-for-profit organisation that enables secure and responsible device reuse. According to a survey by Digital Brighton and Hove, 21% of Brighton’s population does not have access to a computer at home.
Over the past month, we’ve experienced an 800% rise in urgent applications from people who cannot get online. Without a functioning device, individuals cannot complete job applications, participate in online education, access healthcare portals, manage financial services, or stay connected with loved ones. And for the first time ever, we’re having to refer people to waiting lists.
Across the UK, an estimated 22 million unused laptops are sitting in homes and workplaces. If reused, they could generate up to £44 billion in social value. Together, we can unlock this opportunity.
Digital exclusion among our neighbours
One in five residents of Brighton and Hove is digitally excluded. That is 21% of our community unable to apply for work, attend virtual classes, manage healthcare or contact family and friends. At Christmas, when connection matters most, digital exclusion becomes even more isolating.
We receive applications directly from individuals as well as through partner organisations supporting care leavers, refugees, older residents, and people experiencing homelessness. Every eligible applicant receives a device, but demand has increased rapidly, rising 800 percent this month alone.
Behind every request is a real person.
James, age 15: “My homework is all online. I get into trouble because I cannot do it.”
Neema, age 15: “My family is in Ukraine. I wish I could video call them. I miss my mum.”
A recent recipient: “This laptop feels like the most precious Christmas gift. I truly appreciate the kindness of the donors who made it possible.”
Connected by Christmas Appeal
To meet urgent winter demand, Tech Takeback has launched the Connected by Christmas Appeal. We aim to deliver 300 laptops by Christmas.
Each donated device receives:
• Certified data erasure
• Repairs and installation of required hardware
• Installation of Windows 11 or Chrome OS
• Essential productivity software
• Delivery to a local recipient
• Optional support with internet access
• One-to-one digital skills guidance
All business donors receive a full social value and community impact report. This includes verified social value measurements, specific case studies from devices your organisation donated and clear evidence of how your support has improved outcomes for people in your local area.
Digital exclusion weakens social and economic outcomes. By donating or sponsoring devices, businesses can support local people while advancing measurable social value commitments.
Why businesses should act now
Tech Takeback provides a secure, straightforward and socially impactful route for businesses with unused devices. We understand that concerns about data security often prevent reuse, which is why all devices undergo certified GDPR-compliant erasure and refurbishment by our in-house team.
Our previous projects demonstrate the scale of impact. Our CIWM-funded pilot found that reusing 60 laptops generated £2.3 million in verified social value, a return on investment of 83 to 1. The same model applies to every device donated or sponsored today: up to £43,000 in social value per laptop, measured through independently recognised frameworks.
How companies can help
• Donate unused or unwanted laptops. We provide data erasure, refurbishment, redistribution and full reporting.
• Sponsor laptops. Each sponsored device generates up to £43,000 in social value and supports people in your local community.
• Please contribute to our Connected by Christmas GoFundMe campaign.
• Share this appeal to help us reach more potential donors.
• Use our free business collection service or attend one of our Monday pop up donation events.
Join us
Together, we can ensure more people in your community feel included and connected this Christmas. Your organisation can turn unused technology into opportunity, dignity and hope.
Contact us:
Email: hello@techtakeback.co.uk
Website: https://www.techtakeback.com
Business collection form: https://www.techtakeback.com/corporate.html
