Free laptops, broadband and digital skills training to be offered to families in Portsmouth & Gosport through Tech4Families

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) and Currys have expanded the Tech4Families programme into Portsmouth and Gosport, providing laptops and connectivity to local children who would otherwise struggle to access education online.

Tech4Families supports families whose children, aged four to 16, do not have access to a suitable computer at home. Parents and caregivers can apply online, by text or using a paper form, with the application verified by a professional who knows the child and can confirm their need.

Successful families receive a laptop to keep, rather than borrow. Where a household does not have internet access, it will also receive a dongle and prepaid SIM providing connectivity for one year. Families will additionally be directed towards digital skills, media literacy and online safety resources to help them use the technology confidently.

The expansion into Portsmouth and Gosport marks the latest stage of Tech4Families, which has operated in seven locations across the UK. Laptops provided through the programme are funded by donations made at the till or online by Currys customers.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, commented: “Being expected to complete homework on a phone, wait for access to a shared device or go without an internet connection is not a minor inconvenience. It places children at a direct educational disadvantage.

Our School Census demonstrates how widespread this problem remains, even as homework, coursework and communication between schools and families increasingly move online. Expanding Tech4Families into Portsmouth and Gosport will give more children the suitable device and reliable connection they need to learn independently, develop essential digital skills and participate fully in their education.

 Importantly, this is not simply about handing over a laptop. By connecting families with existing support in Portsmouth and Gosport, we can help ensure that they also have the skills and confidence to make meaningful and safe use of the online world.”

The programme will complement existing digital-inclusion work across Gosport. Free local support is available through YourSpace Gosport, Lee Hub and Elson Library and Hub, where digital trainers help residents with tasks including using email and social media, preparing CVs, searching and applying for jobs, accessing online services and navigating their devices.

The programme’s primary aim is to prevent a lack of technology from limiting children’s education. Recent research from the DPA’s 2026 UK School Census found that 30% of teachers have more than ten pupils who lack access to a suitable device for coursework and/or internet at home. Fewer than one in ten teachers believe a pupil relying solely on a smartphone could complete all their coursework, while 97% of teachers with digitally excluded pupils believe that inadequate access negatively affects their education.

Moira Thomas, Group Sustainability & ESG Director, Currys, said: "We know how life-changing a laptop can be for a family that doesn't have one, and Portsmouth and Gosport are exactly the kind of communities this scheme exists to support. Tackling digital poverty is a huge challenge, but thanks to the generosity of our customers we've already helped provide laptops to more than 3,000 families across the UK.”

Families in Portsmouth and Gosport can find further information and apply through the Tech4Families website or text 07984 445476 to request a paper application form.