Media Release, 15th December 2025
Reuse campaign helping reduce the digital divide through an innovative local partnership; supporting those struggling with homelessness and unemployment, mental health issues and those suffering from domestic violence amongst other issues
Nottingham based digital inclusion project provides a lifeline for Nottingham locals that may not have access to technology. Donated laptops, tablets and smartphones are now being reused as essential digital tools for Nottingham’s most vulnerable people, and ensuring the technology isn’t turned into e-waste.
Led by Material Focus, together with Nottingham City Council, Reconome, Framework and Good Things Foundation, ensured that electrical donations made by local residents across the city were put to good use in the city’s frontline support services, providing digital training sessions at The Women’s Complex Needs service.
The project was led and funded by Material Focus, the not-for-profit leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign. Electrical donations made by Nottingham residents at local libraries and leisure centres were securely refurbished by Reconome, and the devices distributed by Framework to people in need in their own town.
The donated equipment, collected via recycling points across Nottingham, included laptops, tablets and smartphones. Framework’s team is reusing many of the donated devices, turning them into secure, easy-to-use “kiosk” devices installed in communal areas across hostels. These kiosks allow residents to safely browse the web, check emails, update Universal Credit journals, attend NHS appointments, search for housing through Homelink, and apply for jobs or volunteering opportunities. This approach allows each device to support multiple vulnerable people, expanding the scale of access provided.
Kevin Rookes, Framework’s Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator said, “Digital Inclusion is not just about helping people get the right kit and connectivity to survive in this increasingly digital world. It’s also about having the digital skills and confidence to manage your money, home and life safely. These donated items help provide the platforms we use to upskill those that may need help.”
One Framework service benefitting directly from the project is the Women’s Complex Needs Service, which provides accommodation and support for up to 15 women fleeing domestic violence, or facing challenges with mental health, drugs or alcohol.
Framework’s Locality Manager Sinead explained, “Some of the women arrive with nothing, not even a phone. It’s been so useful to have ‘pool’ phones to allocate. They might be older devices, but they’re a lifeline. Being able to contact family, friends and essential services is vital for recovery and stability.”
The service now also has a kiosk laptop in its communal lounge, providing free internet access via a donated Vodafone dongle and SIM, helping residents manage benefits, email, and housing applications.
Framework also distributes Vodafone ‘charities.connected’ SIM cards, offering unlimited calls and texts plus 40GB of data per month. Staff also signpost residents to affordable social tariffs, such as Smarty’s £12 unlimited data plan, helping residents transition to affordable connectivity long-term.
“It’s inspiring to see donated tech having such a direct impact in Nottingham. Framework shows how reusing electricals can help people and the planet at the same time. By donating old electricals, everyone can play a part in reducing waste and supporting their local community,” added Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus.
Councillor Corall Jenkins, Nottingham City Council Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities said: “It’s fantastic to see donated electrical items from Nottingham residents being reused to support people who need them most. Digital access is essential for staying connected, managing day-to-day tasks and accessing support, and this project shows how a simple act of donation can make a real difference.”
“We’re pleased that libraries and leisure centres could play a part by acting as collection points, helping to reduce waste while supporting residents facing some of the toughest circumstances. It’s a great example of what can be achieved when local partners work together for our communities”, concluded Jenkins.
Donations of unwanted electricals are still being collected. Nottingham residents can find their nearest drop-off point or learn how their old tech could change someone’s life, visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Kate Hinton kate@materialfocus.org.uk
Notes to Editors
About Material Focus
Material Focus is a not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to stop the nation throwing away or hoarding all their old, small electricals. Material Focus is delivering the UK-wide Recycle Your Electricals campaign. The campaign is revealing the value hidden in electricals and is making it easier for us all to recycle and reuse the small electricals we no longer need by providing more recycling points as well as providing practical information on how households can reuse and recycle.
The campaign is funded by producers of electrical appliances which pays for a range of activities, including communications, behaviour change activities, increased recycling projects and research. Ultimately the aim is to support actions that will help the UK increase the levels of reuse and recycling of waste electricals.
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