A Teesside charity working to tackle digital inequality has been given a major boost by local businesses.
The Middlesbrough-based Hope Foundation provides support to those who find themselves digitally isolated with no access to IT or telecommunications.
Now Mayfield Insurance Brokers, Abacus Associates and the Original Mortgage Company – all based at Hartlepool Marina – have joined forces to donate 15 brand-new smartphones to the charity to help those in need.
Hope Foundation CEO Sue Kearney said: “The recent lockdowns we faced as a country highlighted the acute digital inequality that exists in our society.
“While most of us are fortunate to have access to a smartphone and the internet and take this for granted, there are members of our communities who are not so fortunate.
“For those most in need, being totally isolated at home with no way of communicating with the outside world was extremely challenging.
“The crucial work to bridge that gap relies on the generous support of local businesses and we are extremely grateful for this fantastic donation”.
The Hope Foundation gives those in need access to laptops, tablets and mobile phones, along with the the training they need to use them to keep in touch with others and carry out simple tasks such as booking GP appointments online.
The business leaders, who have built an excellent working relationship through membership of the business referral organisation BNI, have supported the Hope Foundation for the last two years.
Martin Smith, of Mayfield Insurance Brokers, said: “The Hope Foundation is such a great cause and they give the most vulnerable in society a lifeline when they need it most.
“We are all delighted to continue our support of the charity and the amazing work they do.”
Frances Whittingham of Abacus Associated said: “The work the Sue and her team do is inspiring and we were only too pleased to find another way to support them.”
Will Cowley, of the Original Mortgage Company, added: “As a networking group, we fundraise for the charity with different events and recently held a quiz night which raised over £2,200.
“Donating these smartphones is just another way for us to show our support for the charity.”
The Hope Foundation is keen to hear from local businesses with unwanted IT equipment that could be donated to the charity to aid their good work.
