More than 300 devices collected by City of Wolverhampton Council are being tested and securely data wiped before being distributed via the council’s Digital Wolves network of trusted partners. 

They help identify those most in need of digital support in the community.

It builds on work through the council's Wolves Tech Aid initiative, which recycles donated computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones to support children and families across the city. 

Councillor Jeszemma Howl, Cabinet Member for Governance and Digital at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Having access to a device can be life-changing for residents who might otherwise struggle to get online. 

“It can help people do things such as apply for benefits, manage their Universal Credit, stay in touch with services and access important health information through tools like the NHS App. 

“I am pleased we are putting more old devices to use by recycling them in this way to help close the digital divide.

“If you have unused devices at home or at work that could help someone else, I encourage you to donate them through our Wolves Tech Aid initiative so they can be put to good use supporting others across the city.” 

The council’s trusted partner network includes 91 groups representing those impacted by digital exclusion, including the visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing, refugees and ethnic minority groups, low income and deprived communities, people known to social services, the elderly and more. 

Suffia Perveen, from trusted partner, the Ethnic Minority Council, said: “Access to a smartphone helps to provide a vital connection to family, employment opportunities, education, healthcare and essential online services. 

“That's why donations like these are invaluable and really are changing lives for the better.” 

Businesses and residents with unwanted laptops, tablets and desktop computers are encouraged to donate them to Wolves Tech Aid to help more people in Wolverhampton get online. 

Donated devices are securely wiped, refurbished and redistributed to residents who need them most - giving old technology a new purpose while supporting digital inclusion across the city. 

To find out more or make a donation, contact Stefan.Paszki3@wolverhampton.gov.uk 

Social tariffs support families affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Social tariffs are available to residents who are entitled to and in receipt of certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits. 

To find out more information about social tariffs on broadband and phone packages please visit:  Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages