Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, is spearheading a new initiative to combat digital poverty and encouraging local businesses to donate unused devices.

Over 6,600 households are deprived in education and over 3,500 households face employment deprivation, revealing the gap in digital access is a huge issue within the Isle of Wight.

This drive aims to bridge this digital divide by providing much-needed laptops to schools and community groups, ensuring better access to digital resources for those who are stuck.

As part of the ongoing efforts to address low levels of digital engagement on the Isle of Wight, Quigley has partnered with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) to launch this campaign.

According to recent research, despite the Isle of Wight’s effective broadband connectivity, income deprivation and limited access to technology have hindered digital engagement for many families. This has led to significant challenges in accessing essential services like education, healthcare, banking and employment.

Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight comments: “The Digital Poverty Alliance has done great work around the country, and I’d like to thank CEO Elizabeth Anderson for quickly taking up the challenge for the Island after our meeting.

The low levels of digital engagement they have found is worrying and as more and more services move to digital formats, I am so pleased that this campaign ask’s for laptop donations from local businesses, to help our schools and communities to be better connected.”

Local businesses are encouraged to donate laptops, tablets and devices that are no longer in use to increase digital inclusion, enabling local residents, particularly those in areas in income deprivation, to access the essential services they need.

The devices will be thoroughly checked, wiped and restored before being distributed to schools and communities across the Island.

The initiative highlights the growing issues of digital poverty in the Isle of Wight, where income deprivation is closely linked to limited access to technology.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, comments: “We are thrilled to support Richard Quigley’s initiative to tackle digital poverty on the Isle of Wight, and this donation drive represents crucial steps towards bridging the digital divide.

Ensuring local schools and communities have access to the technology they need to thrive is crucial in today’s digital world. Despite the Islands strong broadband infrastructure, many families still face significant barriers to accessing essential online services. Empowering individuals with laptops and devices creates more equal opportunities for education, employment and access to vital services.”