The Big Issue partners with Lenovo to supply refurbished laptops to UK charities, aiming to tackle digital exclusion and empower underserved communities through sustainable technology donations and collaborations across the social sector.
The Big Issue has partnered with technology company Lenovo to provide Certified Refurbished laptops to charities and mission-driven organisations across the UK, aiming to bolster their operational capabilities and enhance service delivery to local communities. This initiative is designed to support day-to-day activities, improve efficiency, and ultimately enable these organisations to better serve those in need. Recipients include a charity combating digital poverty in Greater Manchester, a prison rehabilitation programme, and a London-based filmmaker running an outreach scheme for young people. The Big Issue’s social investment arm, marking its 20th anniversary, views this collaboration as a vital step in bridging the digital divide, particularly for those living in poverty who remain excluded from the digital world.
Digital exclusion remains a pressing issue in the UK, with approximately one in five low-income households in England lacking internet access, according to data highlighted by The Big Issue. This gap underscores the urgent need for initiatives that provide digital tools and connectivity to underserved communities. Russell Blackman, managing director of Big Issue Invest, highlighted that access to technology not only expands the reach of charity and social enterprise staff but also opens opportunities for beneficiaries to engage with digital services and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Lenovo’s involvement in the initiative also emphasises sustainability, as the laptops supplied are refurbished devices. Aidan Griffin, representing Lenovo UK & Ireland, stressed that this partnership advances digital equity by providing practical tools while aligning with sustainability goals. He described the project as a significant step towards tackling digital exclusion, fostering collaboration that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and creates lasting pathways to opportunity.
Parallel efforts to combat digital poverty have gained momentum nationwide. The Digital Poverty Alliance has rolled out the ‘Tech4Families’ initiative in partnership with Currys, distributing brand new Lenovo laptops to disadvantaged families in multiple UK regions including Staffordshire and West Cumbria. According to Elizabeth Anderson, COO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, digital access is crucial for low-income families to pursue education, careers, and maintain social connections, highlighting the multifaceted impact of digital exclusion.
Other organisations are also addressing digital poverty through technology redistribution and reuse. For example, SocialBox.Biz refurbishes donated laptops with open-source software and distributes them to homeless people and asylum seekers, aiming to bridge the digital gap experienced by some of the most vulnerable populations. This social enterprise, founded by Peter Paduh, draws on his personal experience of gaining digital access while living in shelters, illustrating how technology can transform lives.
Similarly, Community Laptops, a UK-based initiative established during the COVID-19 pandemic, collects and refurbishes electronic devices to support isolated families and individuals. Their work, grounded in principles of mutual aid, targets communities severely impacted by digital exclusion, providing critical access to online resources needed for education and social engagement.
The growing collaborations between charities, social enterprises, and tech companies like Lenovo represent a strategic response to digital poverty—recognising that access to reliable technology and the internet is fundamental to social inclusion and economic opportunity in today’s increasingly digital world.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative was first published on 6 October 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is 30 September 2025, when Big Issue announced the partnership with Lenovo. ([bigissue.com](https://www.bigissue.com/news/big-issue-lenovo-laptops-digital-poverty/?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Russell Blackman and Aidan Griffin appear in both the report and the original Big Issue announcement. ([bigissue.com](https://www.bigissue.com/news/big-issue-lenovo-laptops-digital-poverty/?utm_source=openai)) No variations in wording were found, indicating the quotes are consistent.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Irish News, a reputable UK news outlet. The report is based on a press release from Big Issue, which is a credible organisation. However, the reliance on a single source for the narrative introduces some uncertainty.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to address digital poverty in the UK, such as the Digital Poverty Alliance’s ‘Tech4Families’ initiative. ([digitalpovertyalliance.org](https://digitalpovertyalliance.org/news-updates/tech4families-initiative-officially-rolled-out/?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate and official communications. No excessive or off-topic details are present.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no significant discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The quotes are consistent, and the source is reputable. The initiative is plausible and aligns with existing efforts to combat digital poverty in the UK.
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