Computer giveaway aims to tackle 'digital divide'

Families have been invited to take a computer

One hundred computers are being given away to families in Basildon who cannot afford to buy one.

Everyone Digital is providing desktop PCs, along with a monitor, keyboard, mouse and cables to invited families in need.

The initiative aimed at closing the “digital divide” between those who can afford technology to get themselves online, and those who cannot.

Mike Tarbard, from Everyone Digital, said he hoped it would “fill a gap in the community”.

Mike Tarbard said there are lots of children "on the wrong side" of the digital divide

Everyone Online - which is a community interest company - works in conjunction with the charity Every Child Online, founded in 2020, which re-conditions unwanted PCs and laptops and gives them to schools and children in need.

Mr Tarbard said he had witnessed an increase in demand for its services during the cost of living crisis.

“The choice is now food or technology,” Mr Tarbard told the BBC.

“Unfortunately you need food, but in today's Britain, you need technology as well.”

'Left behind'

Mr Tabard said there was a lot of pressure on families “to make sure their children are in the same situation as other kids in their classrooms” which can adversely affect their education.

“There are a lot of kids on the wrong side of that digital divide, and it’s becoming more and more obvious,” Mr Tarbard said.

"There's lots of initiatives from the government that almost push people to use technology, and if you don't have a device you're going to be left behind."

The 100 computers are being given away to families which have been invited through other local charities and initiatives.

The equipment will be distributed on Friday on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one kit per family.