Digital social enterprise benefits from University donation

A social enterprise which is working to combat digital poverty in the Tees Valley has had its efforts boosted thanks to the support of Teesside University.

furbdit collects and refurbishes unwanted IT equipment before donating it to community groups and organisations, as well as individuals and families who are at risk of digital exclusion.

The organisation, which is based in Launchpad, Teesside University’s business accelerator, has been supported in its efforts thanks to the donation of 40 laptops and tablets from the University.

furbdit was founded by a digital partnership of local stakeholders, led by The Hope Foundation and Comply IT, to help combat the digital divide in the region which had been exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Quality IT equipment is becoming ever more vital with increasing amounts of information, goods and services only available online, and a lack of digital skills and access can have major consequences, including increased loneliness and isolation and less access to jobs and education.

By helping people and organisations get access to a digital device, furbdit is playing a key role in bridging the digital divide in the Tees Valley.

In addition, it is finding another use for equipment which might otherwise have been headed to landfill, helping to create a circular economy within the region.

furbdit’s beneficiaries include a paediatric diabetes team which has supplied families with laptops to enable them to monitor glucose and insulin levels.

It is also hoping to start selling refurbished equipment to the general public in order to help the business become more sustainable and support its charitable work.

Teesside University has identified digital exclusion as a key issue impacting its surrounding communities, and the University has made addressing it a major priority in its Community Investment and Social Impact Strategy.

The donation of the 40 laptops and tablets is the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the University and furbdit, and further donations are planned for the future.

Craig Notman, IT Manager (Client Support and Digital Enablement), said: “Access to digital technology is something that most of us take for granted.

“However, many people do not have this privilege and it can result in increased marginalisation and poorer health and education outcomes.

“Teesside University has recognised the need to combat digital exclusion and therefore we are delighted to be able to support furbdit with this donation and look forward to continuing to working together in the future.”

David Thomas, Digital Inclusion and Support Officer at furbdit, said: "The need for digital access was brought into sharp focus during the pandemic with many people cut off from the world who didn’t have a device or internet connection.

“Many brand-new devices were given out as a short-term solution, but it was clear a more sustainable, greener approach was needed in the long term.

“We are extremely grateful for the University’s donation, it’s a massive boost for our mission of tackling digital inequality.

“Its support allows us to reach even more people in our local communities that would otherwise struggle in the digital age we are living in today, gaining access to essential services and increasing their opportunities.

“If you want to be part of the circular economy then please get in touch; together we can support local communities whilst having a positive impact on the environment."

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