Digital consultancy Cogworks joined its long-term charity partner Community TechAid last week to celebrate the charity’s fifth anniversary.
Community TechAid
The event marked five years of connecting South London communities and tackling electronic waste!
The celebration took place in the Palo Alto Networks space, with panoramic views over London providing the backdrop to an evening honouring the volunteers, partners, and supporters who’ve powered the charity’s journey.
Simple idea with huge ripple effect
Founded during the Covid-19 pandemic by Linda Heiden, Community TechAid began with one powerful idea: to collect unused tech, securely refurbish it, and give it a new life with someone in need across Southwark and Lambeth.
From its early days operating out of a church hall, the charity has grown into a fully fledged circular economy model that delivers social and environmental good.
“We saw all these computers sitting, gathering dust, while people were desperate to get online,” said Heiden.
“From the start, we built this on dignity — working through trusted community organisations rather than asking people to prove they were in need.”
The impact by numbers
- 14,000 devices diverted from landfill
- 6,000 people connected with a device
- 30 tonnes of e-waste saved or recycled
- £700,000 worth of technology distributed to the community
Storyboards around the venue told personal accounts of residents who’ve used their donated devices to find work, study, or reconnect with loved ones.
“It might seem like a small thing — passing on a laptop — but it changes lives,” said Cat Smith, CEO of Community TechAid.
“We’ve grown from a local project into an operation that’s helped thousands, thanks to our incredible volunteers and partners like Cogworks.”
Volunteer Filsan Ofey added that helping others through tech had “boosted [her] confidence and taught [her] new skills, from troubleshooting to teamwork”.
Cogworks and the power of partnership
For Cogworks, the partnership reflects the company’s broader commitment to digital sustainability and social inclusion.
“We spend our days building digital tools, but this reminds us what technology is really for — connecting people, creating opportunity and doing good,” said Josh Condie, Head of Digital Design at Cogworks.
“Community TechAid’s work perfectly shows how tech can have both social and environmental impact.”
Cogworks team members have volunteered with Community TechAid throughout the year and will return in November to continue supporting refurbishment sessions and community engagement events.
Looking ahead
Community TechAid’s Smith closed the evening by outlining the charity’s next chapter: “We know the model works — and it’s time to scale it,” she said. “There’s so much more to do, and we’re exploring how we can extend support to other boroughs and communities.”
Five years on, Community TechAid has shown that a straightforward act such as donating an unused laptop can bridge the digital divide and help promote a more circular digital economy!
For more information or to get involved, visit communitytechaid.org.uk.