Celebrating Community TechAid's 5-Year Journey of Digital Inclusion

Last week, we were lucky enough to join our charity partner, Community TechAid, to celebrate their 5th birthday recently. The event was held at the amazing TwentyTwo Bishopsgate, in the Palo Alto Networks space, and with panoramic views over London as the backdrop, it was the perfect setting to celebrate the huge impact they've had on the city. The room was filled with the supporters, businesses, volunteers, and team members who have all played a part in their incredible journey.

For those who don't know, Community TechAid is a brilliant charity built on a simple, powerful idea. They collect unused tech (laptops, tablets, phones), securely wipe and refurbish it, and pass it on to people who need it, right here in Southwark and Lambeth. This isn't just about a gadget; it provides practical, life-changing access to education, job opportunities, health services, and vital connections with family and friends.

But it's not just about the social good; it's also a fantastic environmental solution. By championing the right to repair and building a circular economy, they are diverting a massive amount of e-waste from landfills.

What really hit home were the storyboards placed around the room. These were not abstract statistics; they were the real, human stories of people Community TechAid has helped.

There was Chris, who had been struggling to find work using only his phone. His new laptop meant he could finally apply for jobs, update his CV, and easily attend virtual interviews. We saw David, who was retraining in construction but couldn't complete his coursework without a laptop. His device opened a "new world of opportunity," allowing him to study independently and submit assignments confidently.

Then there was Rhea, who felt isolated after six months in the hospital. Her new laptop gave her a fresh start, connecting her with online support groups to help manage her mental health. We read about Surbana and her daughter, for whom homework had become stressful. A new laptop changed that, allowing her daughter to complete work confidently and bringing the whole family closer. And Juliet, who was lonely and isolated, now uses her donated tablet to connect with loved ones, calling it "companionship, independence, and a vital link to the wider world that keeps her hopeful and connected".

We are so proud to be their partner because we see this direct, human impact.

The speeches from the founder, CEO, and one of the volunteers brought the journey of the last five years to life, showing how a small idea became a powerful force for good.

Linda Heiden: Founder.

Linda shared how it all began during COVID. She saw a clear problem and a simple solution: "I thought about all those computers and mobile phones, sort of sitting, gathering dust... and we all knew how many people were desperate to get online. And so I tried to bring the three [things] together."

From day one, the model was built on dignity. Linda explained, "We didn't want anything to do with making people prove they're poor... we decided that the best way to do this was to work through other community organisations, who were already with people who have problems that they need help with." 

Cat Smith: CEO.

Cat spoke about where Community TechAid is now and what's coming next. They have grown from operating out of a church hall to a full-scale operation that has "helped over 6,000 people find a device of their own."

Cat then gave a huge thanks to the volunteers who make it all possible: "But most importantly, I really want to thank our volunteers... [we’re] so lucky to be surrounded by people giving their time, skills and talents."

Speaking on the 'why' behind their work: "I cannot tell you how life-changing it is. We're so privileged to be able to pass on a device to someone, and to see and hear how it changes their life... it's seemingly quite small... but it does make such a difference."

Filsan Ofey: Volunteer.

Filsan Ofey, gave a fantastic insider point-of-view. She shared a story about one of the first people she helped, who told her, "this is really going to help me get back on my feet."

That was the moment, she said, she "realised how much of a difference this charity makes in people's lives." She also spoke about how volunteering has helped her grow personally, saying "it's boosted my confidence... taught me new skills, like troubleshooting, teamwork, [and gave] me a better understanding of people and life in general."

We were so inspired by the stories and the team. It’s amazing to see such a simple idea - passing on unused tech - have such a massive and direct impact. As people who spend our days building digital tools, it’s a powerful reminder of what it’s all about: helping people connect, learn, and find new opportunities. Community TechAid's work is a perfect example of how technology can be a force for good, and we're proud to support them.

We’re looking forward to volunteering with the Community TechAid team again in November and continuing to support their mission. The work is far from over; as CEO Cat Smith said in her speech, there is a clear vision for the future:

"There is so much more to do. We know Community Tech Aid is bigger than Lambeth and Southwark and we know that this model works. We're keen to see how we can help other boroughs and other communities [and] extend our support so that we can help more people."

If you or your business would like to be part of Community TechAid’s journey, follow any of the links below this article...