The Isle of Wight Council has donated 170 decommissioned laptops to the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), which in turn will distribute the devices to children in need across the Island to boost digital inclusion.

An initiative was launched in partnership with Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, earlier this year to reduce digital exclusion on the island. The campaign encourages local businesses to donate unused laptops and tablets to support those without access to digital devices.

On the Isle of Wight, over 6,600 household face educational deprivation, while more than 3,500 residents face employment challenges. 

Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with the Isle of Wight Council. We want to ensure that we get these devices in the hands of children and families who need them. Once the laptops we have received have been processed, our team will set up a very simple application and verification process.”

Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, commented: “Elizabeth and the team continue to make a massive difference to Islanders that would otherwise struggle together access to the internet and other digital services. I am extremely grateful for the work they are continuing to do and is always magic to bump into someone that has been helped.”