Calls to donate digital devices to people in need

Sunderland City Council said data would be wiped before the devices were passed on

A council is calling for people to donate their unwanted digital devices to help people in need.

Sunderland City Council is holding drop-in sessions from August to October for residents to donate items such as laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The local authority said the devices would be sanitised, refurbished and distributed to residents who lack access to digital technology, "helping to reduce the digital divide in the area".

Labour's Alison Smith, the council's corporate services and equalities portfolio holder, said: "Your donation can make a significant difference by providing someone with the tools they need to participate fully in modern life."

Ms Smith added: "Many residents in Sunderland still face challenges in accessing essential services, educational resources and online communication due to a lack of digital devices."

A number of "Pop In, Drop Off Donation Points" have been set up across the city including Pallion and Roker, as well as Concord in Washington.

People have been asked to ensure passwords and user accounts are removed from their devices prior to the collection.

The council said the devices would then be wiped at the Sunderland-based technology company Born Good, before being redistributed.

The scheme is part of the "Donate Devices" project, funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.