Empowering Southwark & Lambeth
Overview
The collaboration between IFB Gaming and Community TechAid demonstrates how collaborative, grassroots-led approaches can transform digital access for vulnerable and excluded communities. Rooted in a shared commitment to digital inclusion, sustainability, and community empowerment, the initiative delivered meaningful social impact through equitable access to connectivity and technology.
Background
Digital exclusion remains a critical barrier to participation in modern society. Low-income households, refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals with limited digital access often find themselves disconnected from essential services, employment, and education opportunities.
Recognising this, IFB Gaming – through its Empowering Futures initiative – piloted a collaboration with Community TechAid to bridge these divides by providing affordable connectivity, refurbished devices, and safe community access points.
Objectives
- To improve digital connectivity among digitally excluded individuals.
- To create Data Waypoints – community-based access hubs offering digital support and guidance.
- To promote sustainability through the reuse and refurbishment of electronic devices.
- To strengthen local collaboration in addressing digital poverty.
Implementation
The collaboration was anchored in practical, community-based actions:
- Distribution of 200+ SIM cards to low-income and vulnerable individuals, ensuring immediate access to mobile data and communication.
- Establishment of three Data Waypoints where residents can receive digital guidance, device support, and learning resources.
- Refurbishment and redistribution of laptops and smartphones to support education, job seeking, and community participation.
- Joint outreach campaigns raising awareness of digital rights, data care, and sustainable technology use.
Impact
- 300+ individuals now connected and digitally empowered.
- Three active Data Waypoints serving as trusted community spaces for digital access and inclusion.
- Dozens of refurbished devices placed back into circulation, reducing electronic waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
- Strengthened partnerships between community organisations, local stakeholders, and digital inclusion advocates.
Key Learnings
- Partnership is power – collaboration with trusted community organisations, such as Community TechAid is critical for authentic reach and engagement.
- Sustainability and inclusion are interlinked – e-waste reduction and device reuse serve both social and environmental goals.
- Connectivity equals opportunity – access to a device or SIM card is often the first step towards education, employment, and independence.
Looking Ahead
Building on this success, IFB Gaming aims to replicate the Empowering Futures model across more communities, leveraging partnerships with local organisations, public bodies, and private sponsors. Future efforts will focus on expanding digital literacy, community mentoring, and climate-conscious technology practices.
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Conclusion
The Empowering Futures partnership illustrates how local collaboration, digital access, and sustainability can work together to create lasting social change. By combining technological resources with community trust, IFB Gaming and Community TechAid have set a replicable standard for inclusive and sustainable digital development.