Politicians from across the political spectrum have united to back a drive to donate unused IT equipment to those who need it the most.

A letter, signed by 50 business leaders and politicians has called on universities, businesses and local authorities to donate old computers, laptops and mobile phones to SocialBox.Biz.

The social enterprise then refurbishes the old IT and works with charities to donate it to the vulnerable, including older people, homeless and refugees.

The idea is the brainchild of Peter Paduh, who arrived in Britain as an unaccompanied child refugee from the Balkans.

One of the signatories, London Borough of Brent Liberal Democrat Councillor Anton Georgiou said:

Everyone deserves access to the tools to enable them to achieve their full potential. The work being done by SocialBox.Biz, is leading the way with initiatives like Laptops for the Homeless and Vulnerable.

Councillor David van der Burg, a Green Party councillor from St. Helens said:

Digital inclusion is incredibly important, and by reusing equipment you are helping to reduce waste and other environmental impacts.

The letter to membership organisations, such as Universities UK and the Local Government Association, urges them to  “influence the institutions in your membership to release their old, no longer needed yet still useful tech to SocialBox.Biz.”

Among businesses which have already donated are public relations and communications firms. Three firms have already donated unused IT following a call from the Chair of the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Council for members to get involved.

Image: Shutterstock