Power to Connect Takes Our Mission to Parliament: Tackling E-Waste and Digital Exclusion

This week, Power to Connect had the incredible opportunity to speak at the House of Commons – a powerful moment for our community-led mission to reduce e-waste and expand digital inclusion across Wandsworth.

As we shared with MPs, partners and policymakers, digital exclusion is not an abstract issue. It affects families every day: children unable to complete homework, jobseekers locked out of online applications, and households relying on a single smartphone for essential services. Through our work – supported by the #TimeAfterTime Fund, Virgin Media O2, and Hubbub – we’re proving that local action can break these barriers.

Turning Unused Tech Into Opportunity

Our Wandsworth refurbishment programme is simple but hugely effective:

collect → refurbish → redistribute.

Through this model, thousands of unused devices have been transformed into reliable laptops and tablets for families, schools and community organisations. For anyone searching for laptops for charity, donate laptops UK, or recycle computers near me, our community-powered approach ensures those devices go straight back into the hands of people who need them most.

This reuse model also prevents working tech from becoming waste, reinforcing why our work matters in the wider conversation about computer recycling charities, recycling electrical items, and sustainable circular economy solutions.

Why Digital Inclusion Matters

Digital inclusion isn’t just about hardware – it’s about confidence, skills and long-term access.

That’s why we also deliver digital literacy courses UK, basic IT skills courses (free), and digital skills courses in partnership with Wandsworth Library, Battersea Library, and Southfields Library. Our free digital skills training UK helps residents access essential services, stay safe online, and support their children’s education.

The Power of Local Action

On Monday, we were proud to share in Parliament how community-led solutions in Wandsworth are already driving meaningful change. Every refurbished device:

• reduces e-waste
• lowers carbon emissions
• expands digital access
• strengthens opportunities for learning, work and connection

A huge thank you to our MP Marsha de Cordova for championing this cause, and to Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub for bringing together organisations committed to a fairer digital future.

Moving Forward

We’re energised by this momentum and determined to keep pushing for a Wandsworth – and a UK – where everyone has the digital access they deserve.

If you’d like to support our work, donate a device, or get involved through volunteering Wandsworth, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create a more connected, sustainable future for everyone.