It is well known that targeted digital inclusion projects deliver significant social and economic benefits, so this remains a key focus of funding for the WCIT Charity.
In 2025, the Charity supported Digital Poverty Alliance to deliver a project in central London. Westminster may not seem like a geographic area of need, but the borough has areas of severe deprivation where some 30% children live in poverty. The project was designed to complement a new OpenRoaming Network that provided free Wi-Fi in public libraries, Housing Offices, markets, recreation grounds and community hubs throughout the borough.
Through the initiative, 50 refurbished laptops were distributed to young people aged 11-19 who previously lacked reliable access to a suitable device for learning and everyday use.
For many recipients this was their first personal computer, and it enabled them to complete their homework independently, access online learning resources and build essential digital skills. Alongside the device distribution, Digital Poverty Alliance delivered two engaging workshops focused on digital confidence, media literacy and emerging technologies such as AI.
While the need for digital support in Westminster remains high, the project has made a meaningful difference by equipping young people and their families with the tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Chair of the WCIT Charity, Gary Moore, concluded: “Digital access remains a significant barrier for many across the UK, so we were delighted to support this project which supported so many young people at a critical time in their studies.”
