Tech donations tackle digital divide

Exeter-based Optix Solutions has sent off a bundle of tech to local charity GiftTech, ready to be re-homed to individuals caught up in the ‘digital divide’. 

National figures from the Digital Youth Index Report 2023 show that 14% of young people in the UK have no access to a learning device such as a laptop or desktop computer.

For young people who are NEET, not in education, employment or training, the figure rises to 20%. 

Optix, which previously donated desktops to GiftTech in 2022, has now provided a selection of laptops and monitors for this year’s contribution. 

Rob Stevens, Managing Director of Optix Solutions, highlighted the scale of the issue: “Shockingly, it seems around 12 million computers and laptops have been thrown into UK landfill in the past five years alone. Optix are keen to continue supporting the local community by donating our older IT equipment to GiftTech. Once the laptops have been forensically wiped, they will be repurposed for young people within the greater Exeter area.” 

While Exeter is often classed as a reasonably affluent area, many children still lack access to the internet at home, which can disadvantage them socially, educationally, and when looking for work. 

Brent Woodward from GiftTech visited the Optix offices to collect the tech from Rob Stevens and emphasised how important the donation is: “We were particularly pleased with the donation of the monitors as these are particularly in demand at the charity.” 

Rob Stevens encouraged other local businesses considering a tech upgrade in 2025 to donate their older equipment to GiftTech: “It would be great to support even more young people and help to narrow the divide between the haves and the have nots.” 

GiftTech ensures all devices are securely wiped and repurposed for those in need. 

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