iPads donation aims to tackle digital exclusion

Thousands of people without computers and internet access are to receive decommissioned iPads from us to tackle the digital divide.

As well as an iPad, each person will also get in-depth digital skills training and free mobile data via the National Databank. It is estimated that the social return on investment for every £1 spent in this scheme is £3.23.

We are distributing the devices in partnership with the social change charity, Good Things Foundation, which specialises in helping people improve their lives through digital technology and is running Get Online Week from 14-20 October.

This year we’re donating 1,600 iPads which have reached the end of their working life, following a successful pilot scheme across our South West, Midlands and South Wales licence areas with 42 charity partners. Devices were shared with mental health organisations, charities and care homes.

Among those to receive 465 tablets in the pilot were Ukrainian refugees living in Carmarthenshire: “We thank you so very much,” said one family. “We are so pleased to have this iPad. We are in a new house and we have not got internet access as we wait for an appointment to put it in. Now we can talk to the council and our friends. This makes us feel safe and happy.”

One in five people lack some of the essential digital skills for life and one in 20 adults don’t use the internet.

Ellie Patey, National Grid Electricity Distribution’s Community Engagement Manager, said: “There is a significant overlap of people facing digital exclusion, and those in vulnerable situations and fuel poverty.

“Lack of digital access and skills has been identified as a barrier to a clean, fair and affordable energy future. At a time when many services are increasingly being delivered digitally, we hope this scheme will address that and bring benefits to people’s lives in other ways too.”

Good Things Foundation’s Rob Shapiro said: “Digital exclusion across the UK is still a big problem; not having access to a device and connectivity is having huge negative impacts on people’s lives, leading to less access to essential services, jobs and education.

“By donating these devices to the people that really need them the most, National Grid Electricity Distribution is contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy, helping us fix the digital divide.”