Impact and Success Stories
What changes when access is possible
furbd’s impact is seen in small, meaningful changes that add up over time.
It shows up when someone can study at home, when a service can support people more effectively, and when unused technology becomes a tool for progress rather than waste.
Where furbd makes a difference
Supporting people to move forward
Access to reliable technology helps people take practical steps toward work, learning, and independence. It gives people the space to plan, practise, and build confidence at their own pace.
Building skills through real experience
Hands on learning and supported placements allow people to develop practical digital skills while contributing to something that matters. Confidence grows through doing, not pressure.
Helping services work better
When community organisations have the right digital tools, staff spend less time on systems and more time supporting people. This creates better experiences for everyone involved.
Impact Stories
Marie's Story - Finding confidence and a way forward
Marie came to Tandem Hub at a very difficult time in her life. After a bereavement, she felt unsure about what came next, but she knew she wanted to work with children.
With patient support, Marie rebuilt her confidence. She refreshed her CV, chose the right course, and began gaining experience in a school setting.
Having access to a refurbished laptop meant Marie could study at home, stay organised, and complete her coursework independently.
Marie passed her course with distinction, completed eight additional CPD courses, and gained her Teaching Assistant qualification with a focus on supporting children with special educational needs. She is now on the school payroll and preparing to apply for a full-time role.
Her story shows how access, encouragement, and the right tools can help people move forward.
“The work being done to refurbish and repurpose laptops through furbd is transforming lives, helping charities, and strengthening links between people, work, and training.”
– Tees Valley Combined Authority
Supporting frontline services - LilyAnne’s Wellbeing, Hartlepool
LilyAnne’s Wellbeing supports people facing homelessness, crisis, poor mental health, and isolation.
Through furbd, the organisation received six refurbished, networked computers. This changed how the team works day to day.
Staff can now log in securely from any consultation room, reducing time spent on administration and increasing time spent with the people they support.
As the team shared:
“We can now spend more time with people, and less time trying to make the system work.”
The ripple effect
More than 2,000 refurbished devices have been redistributed through furbd.
Each device supports access, connection, and opportunity. Together, they empower individuals, services, and communities across the Tees Valley.
Be part of the impact
furbd’s impact is made possible through donated technology, partnerships, and shared commitment to digital inclusion.
Whether you donate a device, volunteer your time, or work with us as a partner, you are helping to turn access into opportunity.
