Environmental charity Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 are providing £400,000 to support a scheme for lending tablet computers and providing free mobile data for people in temporary accommodation.
The scheme, which will operate through community organisations, is aimed at helping people facing digital exclusion to access the internet, while reducing e-waste.
Grants of between £50,000 and £120,000 are available to organisations including local authorities, non-governmental organisations and community groups to purchase refurbished devices and lend to groups in temporary accommodation. These might include refugees, young people facing hardship, people recently released from prison and survivors of domestic abuse.
The initial aim is to establish and support up to five Tech Lending Hubs in locations across the UK and make at least 1,000 high quality refurbished devices available.
Facing up to e-waste
Trewin Restorick, CEO and founder of Hubbub, said: “This is a really exciting project which not only helps address the pressing issue of e-waste – one of the world’s fastest growing and most toxic waste streams – but also aims to support at least 4,000 people in temporary accommodation facing digital isolation. We’re very keen to hear from community groups interested in pioneering a community lending scheme.
“Our long term ambition is to create a strong and vibrant network of tech lending hubs supported by high quality resources and guidance. This is a similar model to our Community Fridge Network which is now helping address waste and inequality in every corner of the country.”
The programme will also receive support from Leeds City Council’s 100% Digital Leeds pgoramme.
Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds’ deputy leader and executive member for resources, said: “Through our 100% Digital Leeds programme, we know that access to equipment and connectivity is an important aspect of digital inclusion. This scheme will overcome that barrier to inclusion for people living in temporary accommodation.
“We look forward to working with Hubbub to develop the Tech Lending Community. It will make a huge difference to the lives of people across the country.”
The grant fund is also being supported by Amazon, which is providing an additional £100,000 to support the running costs of the lending hubs.
Applications to the scheme close on 1 March.
Image: Roger, who received an iPad during the first lockdown through another of Hubbub and O2’s initiatives, Community Calling. From Hubbub
