The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is expanding its Tech4Youth initiative to Northern Ireland, providing free devices, digital literacy workshops and online access support to young people aged 11–16 to tackle digital exclusion.

The move targets a region with some of the UK’s highest digital poverty rates, particularly in rural areas where 17% of premises still lack decent broadband.

Tech4Youth focuses on supporting young people facing additional barriers, including disabilities, caring responsibilities or experience of the care system, helping improve access to education, skills and employment opportunities.

The expansion builds on earlier success in the region, where 60 laptops were distributed last year.