DIGITAL ACCESS
Our award-winning Digital Access Programme collects, refurbishes and repairs disused laptops, smartphones and tablets from businesses and individuals and systematically distributes them to refugees across the UK.
800+
referrals for devices are received by Screen Share each month
763
educational courses have been initiated using a donated device
872
job applications have been completed with a donated device
As an organisation, we endeavour to offer a comprehensive suite of digital inclusion services for refugees in the UK. A device is a life-changing tool for a refugee to better their life.
Tamirat’s Story
Tamirat came to the UK from Ethiopia. When he was referred to us, he was living in a hotel for people seeking asylum. Tamirat is a journalist and media development professional by trade, and reported on human rights issues in his home country.
He requested a laptop so he could continue writing and ‘stay connected to the world’ after becoming increasingly isolated in his assigned Home Office accommodation. We provided Tamirat with a device which has enabled him to reignite his career and to speak up for the experiences of refugees: he has now published five articles in Exodus, a magazine which serves as a voice for people with lived experience of forced migration. He continues to use his laptop for other creative projects.
“The laptop serves me more than words can tell”
In 2024, we provided more devices to refugees than any other organisation in the UK.
Most of our devices are distributed via our partner organisations. If you are not supported by one of our partner organisations, you can apply for a device by clicking below. This does not guarantee a laptop. We will contact you if your referral is successful.
Due to unprecedented demand we are currently not taking any new partner referrals. You can sign up here and we will be in touch when our supply allows.
As it stands, we are working at full capacity sourcing, refurbishing and distributing laptops to people in desperate need - but we can’t do enough. That’s why we need your support.
With it, we aim to scale our Digital Access programme to the point where we’re able to provide every refugee in the UK with a digital device, where each and every person who has fled their home country to the UK on grounds of discrimination or persecution is equipped to best achieve the life they want.
We need your support to help Issa learn to code for a career in tech, or so Fatima can finish her architecture degree, or so Roman can speak to his Dad. Without it, all of these lives remain in limbo, stuck because they’re blocked from fully engaging in the modern world. Help us reach that goal.
Where do Screen Share devices go?
Screen Share devices are sent all over the country. So far, we have reached 80 different towns and cities in the UK. We partner with support organisations to ensure that each device reaches the right person and that they are supported in using it to achieve their goals. We are the only organisation seeking to address this problem on a national scale.
Other Organisations
We'd love to be able to give devices to all those who need them, but in reality, this isn’t always possible. You can also check out these organisations that may be able to help:
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Mer-IT
Mer-IT has been tackling the digital divide since 2013, offering a computer to anyone who wants one, as well as running vocational courses. They will take your old (and broken) laptops and computers for their students to practise on! Here’s what they will and won’t take, and here’s how to donate your tech to them.
NORTH LONDON
Community Laptops
Community Laptops are distributing working laptops to those in need in North London, to address the community inequalities that have been exacerbated by the Pandemic. They take laptops in working condition that were manufactured after 2010. You can donate your tech to them here, and find out more about what they accept here.
EAST LONDON
Bridge the Gap
Bridge the Gap are working hard to address digital and educational inequality in their borough of Hackney. They accept devices manufactured after 2012. You can donate your old tech to them here.
WEST LONDON
Ready Tech Go
Ready Tech Go provides technological equipment and support to anyone of any age or background without access to it in West London. They accept a range of devices in different conditions, and if they can’t fix it, they’ll recycle it. Here’s how to donate to them.
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Solidaritech
Solidaritech have a similar approach to Screen Share, refurbishing donated laptops and passing them on to adult asylum seekers and refugees in Bradford. Here’s how you can donate your old tech to them.
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DigiLocal
DigiLocal are providing laptops for vulnerable young people and families in Bristol. They accept Windows laptops in good working condition. For more info on what they’re looking for and how to donate your laptop, take a look here.
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Tech-Takeback
Tech-Takeback have been refurbishing and recycling tech since 2016, aiming to reduce e-waste primarily in Brighton. They take any device in any condition! You can donate your old tech to them here.
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Connecting Scotland
Connecting Scotland is an initiative committed to helping everyone in Scotland get online. They’ve put together a useful list of organisations across Scotland that can process device donations.
None work for you? Find full directories of tech donation projects in the UK below: