Laptop donation helps FIRST bridge digital divide

A North East learning and development business is helping communities access essential technology.

FIRST, which runs accredited courses and workshops for under-resourced groups including refugees, domestic abuse survivors and people with disabilities, has received a fleet of Certified Refurbished ThinkPad laptops from Lenovo and the Big Issue. 

The new devices give learners the tools to get online, access education and engage with the digital world.

Charlotte Windebank, managing director of FIRST, said: “Receiving the Lenovo laptops through the partnership with Big Issue will significantly boost FIRST’s ability to support students, graduates, jobseekers and early-stage founders. 

“As we scale, they will equip our growing team without adding financial burden, while also ensuring that learners without IT access – especially underrepresented and under-resourced founders – can build enterprise skills and the courage to pursue their ideas. 

“With reliable technology, we can deliver more inclusive and flexible workshops, enable virtual mentoring and coaching and remove key barriers to participation so more people can gain courage, explore self-employment and shape their careers.” 

Aidan Griffin, solutions and services group leader at Lenovo UK & Ireland, added: “Technology is only truly transformative when access is equal, and we all have a part to play in making that a reality. 

“Through our partnership with the Big Issue, refurbished laptops are reaching inspirational organisations across the UK, delivering practical tools while advancing sustainability and digital equity. 

“This initiative is an important step in tackling digital exclusion, aiming to inspire collaboration that empowers individuals, strengthens communities and creates lasting pathways to opportunity.”

The technology comes via Big Issue Invest, the social investment arm of the Big Issue, which supports more than 140 UK businesses with a social mission. 

FIRST joins other investees benefiting from the initiative, including a charity tackling digital poverty in Greater Manchester and a London outreach programme teaching filmmaking to young people.

Russell Blackman, managing director at Big Issue, added: “It’s great to be backing our investees with Lenovo’s Certified Refurbished laptops at such an exciting time for Big Issue Invest, which celebrates its 20thanniversary of investing in life-changing organisations later this year.

“This technology will open up opportunities for them in a number of ways; from helping their staff expand their reach, to giving their beneficiaries access to the digital world which so many people living in poverty are locked out of.”

Research shows roughly one in five low-income households in England lack internet access, highlighting the digital divide. 

Reliable hardware is a key barrier, with charities often unable to fund essential tech infrastructure. 

Using refurbished laptops also extends device lifespan and reduces e-waste, aligning with environmental goals.

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