It starts with a device
Opportunity
After a bereavement, Marie felt unsure about her next steps. She wanted to work with children but lacked the qualifications and confidence to move forward.
With support from Tandem Hub, she began rebuilding. A refurbished laptop from furbd meant she could complete her studies at home, stay organised and keep progressing.
Marie passed her course with distinction, gained her Teaching Assistant qualification and is now on the school payroll, applying for a full-time role.
Access gave her the tools. She did the rest.
Stability
When families arrive in a new country after fleeing conflict, everything feels uncertain.
After being referred through Stockton Borough Council Migration Support, one young boy received a refurbished tablet. It helped him continue learning, practise English and stay connected to school while adjusting to life in Stockton.
For his family, the device was simple but important. It supported confidence, belonging and a sense of normality during a major transition.
Access helped him settle.
Connection
Refurbished tablets and mobile phones have supported community organisations like LilyAnne’s Wellbeing in Hartlepool, helping people manage Universal Credit, build digital skills and stay connected to essential services.
For individuals experiencing homelessness, a working phone can be a lifeline. It means being reachable. It means staying in touch with support workers. It means being able to take the next step.
Access restores connection.
Care
In healthcare settings, technology can offer comfort as well as communication.
Refurbished tablets provided to a local hospice helped patients stay in touch with loved ones when being together in person was not always possible. They were used to record messages, share memories and take part in important family moments.
Access keeps families close when it matters most.
What This Creates
Sustainability built in
Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Perfectly usable technology is discarded every day. We see it locally. Devices replaced early. Equipment sitting unused. Technology sent for recycling when it still has life left in it.
Refurbishing changes that.
Every device we restore avoids unnecessary waste and reduces the need for new manufacturing. It keeps valuable materials in use for longer and prevents usable technology from being lost too soon. Reducing waste is not a side benefit of our work. It is part of the reason we exist.
And when reuse also creates opportunity, the impact goes further.
