At the start of the current lockdown, several Newcastle MPs made appeals for technology donations. Several firms are now collaborating to provide free online resources and donate devices to disadvantaged children in the area.
One campaign launched by publishing companies in the region is 'Cash for Connectivity', which aims to raise £1.2 million to provide 100 000 households with free internet.
Other businesses, such as Stockton’s Cornerstone Business Solutions, have become drop-off points for donations.
Local charity Teesside Philanthropic Foundation has used £3000 raised by shipping company PD Ports to provide laptops to Year 9 pupils currently studying for their GCSEs.
It’s not only businesses that are helping to close the digital gap, since a number of local residents have also donated laptops and tablets to primary and secondary schools in the region.
This comes after the government has pledged to give out more than 1.3 million devices to disadvantaged pupils across the UK, and is also helping to provide secure network connections while they cannot access face-to-face teaching.
