Approximately one in five low-income households in England have no internet access, according to research by the Institute of Development Studies – highlighting a clear and urgent divide between opportunity and access.
Access depends on connectivity and on the right hardware – a reliable laptop is essential for online tasks, from education and job applications to entertainment and communication.
Charities and social enterprises are operating with tight budgets and limited tech capacity. Sector research points to squeezed finances as the biggest brake on digital progress, including difficulty funding core infrastructure and tools.
Big Issue Invest has invested more than £100 million in UK businesses with a social mission over the past two decades. It currently supports a portfolio of more than 140 businesses, who in turn provide life-changing services and support for a combined total of nearly 2 million (1.88mil) Brits.
“It’s great to be backing our investees with Lenovo’s Certified Refurbished laptops at such an exciting time for Big Issue Invest, which celebrates its 20th anniversary of investing in life-changing organisations later this year,” said Russell Blackman, managing director at Big Issue.
“This technology will open up opportunities for them in a number of ways; from helping their staff expand their reach, to giving their beneficiaries access to the digital world which so many people living in poverty are locked out of.”
Adrian Criddle, general manager at Lenovo UK & Ireland, said: “Technology can only truly be transformative when everyone has equal access. We’re proud to partner with the Big Issue, providing refurbished laptops that not only deliver practical tools to several the inspirational organisations, but also reflect our commitment to sustainability and digital equity.
“This is just one step in a broader journey and we have big ambitions to help tackle digital exclusion in the UK. Our hope is that this initiative inspires more collective action – empowering individuals, supporting communities and building lasting pathways towards employment and opportunity.”
One investee receiving support is Doing What Really Matters (DWRM), which supports people in prison to study further and higher education, offering comprehensive study support to reduce the isolation of studying in prison. With no internet access and limited digital provision, our students experience digital exclusion and this is particularly acute when they leave prison.
Ruth McFarlane, co-director of DWRM, said: “Thanks to a generous donation from Lenovo, we are able to provide laptop loans and digital skills support so that people can continue studying and look for work when they come out.
“Many of our team have direct personal experience of the criminal justice system and we work alongside people to help them maintain a successful life after release. Having their own laptop to work on means students can continue their studies and prepare for work once they are released. They can then progress to become mentors with DWRM thus providing a continuous cycle of support.”
The project also aligns with national efforts such as the UK government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan and complements the ongoing work of organisations like Good Things Foundation and Digital Poverty Alliance in removing barriers to digital participation across the UK.
In the coming months, Big Issue will be running a series of films, features, and social media content, telling the stories of Big Issue’s investees who are benefitting from this initiative with Lenovo.
Using Certified Refurbished laptops keeps equipment in use for longer, cuts e-waste and helps reduce the environmental impact of IT procurement.
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