Understanding Digital Exclusion in Wandsworth and How You Can Help

Digital exclusion happens when people lack the hardware, internet connectivity, or basic skills required to participate fully in modern life. Whether it is an inability to afford broadband or a lack of confidence using digital tools, these barriers lead to isolation, education gaps, financial hurdles, and reduced access to essential services.

The Impact on Our Community

The digital divide directly affects local families and older residents across Wandsworth:

• High-Need Areas: Neighborhoods like Roehampton, Furzedown, and Falconbrook rank among the highest in London for digital exclusion.
• Family Impact: 45% of local families with children fall below the minimum digital living standard, lacking adequate devices, broadband, or core skills.
• Older Residents: Nationally, 1 in 3 adults aged 65+ lack basic internet skills, while 1 in 6 do not use the internet at all.

How Power to Connect Delivers Digital Equality

Power to Connect works across the borough to bridge this gap through four core actions:

Our Core Approach	Tangible Impact to Date
Device Redistribution: Collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing tech.	+5,200 devices redistributed to community members.
Skills & Literacy: Running free digital skills training in the UK.	+750 local residents trained every year.
E-Waste Reduction: Promoting environmental sustainability by saving tech.	+6,000 devices saved from landfill (~1.89m kg CO₂saved).
Local Partnerships: Collaborating with schools, libraries, and hubs.	+180 community partners across the area.

We deliver our digital literacy courses and drop-in support at key local hubs, including Battersea Library, Southfields Library, Tooting Library, Roehampton Library, and Wandsworth Library.

Three Ways You Can Take Action Today

Closing the digital divide requires community-wide action. Here is how individuals and corporate partners can get involved:

• Volunteer Your Time: Support learners at our library drop-ins or assist with hardware refurbishing and delivery by applying for technology volunteer and IT volunteer jobs through volunteering in Wandsworth.
• Donate Equipment: Handing over unused laptops or tablets to a computer recycling charity ensures we can safely recycle electrical items and provide refurbished laptops for charity to local families.
• Corporate Support & CSR: Enhance your organization’s CSR strategy, ESG strategy, and sustainability goals. Partnering with us offers high-impact corporate volunteering, employee engagement, and clear impact reporting to showcase your social value and community impact.

Together, we can ensure every Wandsworth resident has the tools, confidence, and access needed to thrive online. Visit our website or reach out today to donate tech, volunteer, or support our mission!

Get Involved Today!

• Volunteer in Wandsworth and support residents to gain vital IT skills.
• Donate laptops, tablets, or phones to reduce e-waste and support learning.
• Donate funds to support digital inclusion projects across Wandsworth.