Keeping Tameside connected: How one local organisation is fighting digital poverty and e-waste 

In an increasingly digital world, where access to technology determines opportunity, one grassroots organisation in Dukinfield is transforming lives, and landfills with their bold and compassionate mission.

Tameside Community Computers CIC, a volunteer-led organisation based in the heart of the borough, is tackling digital exclusion while leading the way in sustainable tech. Through device refurbishment and redistributing technology to those in need, they're creating ripples of social change across Tameside and the surrounding communities.

The model is simple yet profoundly impactful: rather than letting old devices sit unused or contribute to the growing mountain of e-waste, Tameside Community Computers gives them a second life. From desktops, monitors and laptops to mobile phones, tablets, gaming consoles and printers, the team takes it all.

What they find easiest to refurbish and rehome, laptops, tablets, and monitors, often coming from local businesses, schools, or residents clearing out unused tech. Every device saved from waste not only helps a family, but also reduces harmful environmental impact. It’s tech recycling with purpose, both sustainable and socially driven.

Earlier this year, TCC conducted a survey across 364 Tameside families. The results were eye-opening: 85% of children did not have access to an internet-enabled device at home to complete their homework. This stark digital divide has profound consequences, not just in academic performance, but in future life chances.

With this data in hand, Tameside Community Computers launched “Keeping Tameside Connected”, a project supported by a £5,000 grant from GMCA and Tameside Council’s Strengthening Communities Digital Inclusion Fund.

The project focuses its efforts on Year 5 pupils transitioning into Year 6, a crucial academic year culminating in SATs and secondary school preparation. The initiative aims to:
- Reduce Digital Poverty: By providing students with the laptops they need for schoolwork and personal development 
- Promote Digital Literacy: By training parents to help keep children safe online and foster healthy tech habits at home 
- Champion Sustainable Use: By refurbishing donated devices instead of buying new, reducing unnecessary consumption

Thanks to laptop donations from The Bupa Foundation, and essential upgrades funded through the grant, like new batteries, solid-state drives, chargers, and Windows 11 refurbished licences, dozens of children have already received the tools they need to thrive.

Schools already reached include: 
- Endeavour Academy, Hyde – 6 children received laptops 
- Waterloo Primary, Ashton – 12 children connected 
- Canon Burrows C of E Primary, Ashton – 19 children empowered

Thomas Meagher, Technical Services Manager, Bupa UK: “Bupa's purpose is 'Helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world', donating our used technology via the Bupa Foundation, enables us to support communities in the areas where we have a presence. We know how important technology is to all our lives. Those without access, especially children, will be at a significant disadvantage. Through these donations and working with Mike and the great team at Tameside Community Computers, we try to help close the digital poverty gap, enabling the people most in need in our communities to get access to the tools, services, resources and support they need in today’s digital world.”

Damian Harris, Headteacher, Waterloo Primary School: “The children at Waterloo Primary were delighted to receive the laptops from Tameside Community Computers. Many have no access to devices at home and these laptops will make a huge difference to them, enabling them to complete home learning and do their own research as they head into Year 6 and high school. The children and families are all very grateful, as are we.”

Elizabeth Adamson, Assistant Headteacher, Canon Burrows C of E Primary: “We cannot thank Tameside Community Computers enough for their generosity for providing some of Year 5s with laptops. We live in an increasingly digital world and there are lots of opportunities that children miss out on in their education if they do not have a device at home which they can use to support them. I know our children cannot wait to do research on the internet, play times tables games and play games to help them with their reading and spellings.”

While the initiative has made incredible strides, there’s still work to be done. The biggest hurdle? Laptop batteries. Many donated devices can’t be refurbished until replacement parts are secured.

That’s why Tameside Community Computers is calling on local residents and businesses: 
- Donate unused devices sitting idle at home or in the office 
- Partner as a sponsor to help fund replacement parts 
- Spread the word to help reach more children in need
If you've got old tech collecting dust or wish to fund their mission, reach out: 
Phone: 0161 553 0060 
Email: enquiries@tamesidecc.org 
Website: www.tamesidecc.org

Tameside Community Computers isn’t just refurbishing laptops, they’re rebuilding opportunities, one device at a time.

The TCC team at Canon Burrows CofE Primary School