Leila's Story
Therapy.
Training.
Connection.
Leila's refurbished laptop helped her take the first steps towards improved mental health
Digital exclusion increases mental health problems, while mental health problems increase digital exclusion; creating a deeply harmful cycle.
Leila is 32 and lives with severe anxiety and depression. Crowded places, public transport and unfamiliar environments are overwhelming for her. She had been unable to work for over a year and barely left the house. Her phone was old and unreliable, making online therapy and job searching extremely difficult.
People with mental health challenges often face:
low income
lack of confidence
fear of online judgement or overwhelm
difficulty managing admin tasks
reduced motivation
sensory or cognitive barriers to using tech
Without support, digital exclusion becomes another barrier to recovery.
Without a laptop, Leila felt trapped. She wanted therapy, training, and a way back into work, but all the services she needed had moved online.
She also struggled to keep in touch with friends, worsening her loneliness.
The Challenge
Digital exclusion amplified Leila's mental health challenges, feeding the cycle.
"My doctor said I could start online therapy straight away, or wait 18 months for an in-person assessment."
Leila received:
a refurbished laptop
step‑by‑step support setting up online therapy
guidance on using job platforms
information on safe community spaces online
How we helped
“I didn't believe I'd get a free laptop. But it arrived in just a few days, and I started therapy the very next week!"
Change a life today
For people like Leila, digital inclusion is a vital first step towards recovery.
Donate laptops to support people with poor mental health
Partner with us to sponsor devices and training
Apply for a laptop for yourself, for a loved one or for someone you're supporting.
Leila is now:
attending weekly therapy
completing an online training course
reconnecting with friends
building confidence through small online tasks
Life with a laptop
Social value of reuse
Using HACT Social Value Insights, the social value generated through Leila's refurbished laptop is
£23,100
Case studies are based on real beneficiary journeys. Some names and identifying details have been altered to protect confidentiality, but each story represents the genuine challenges faced by the communities we serve.
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Digital exclusion affects people from all walks of life, for all sorts of reasons. Whatever the circumstances, Tech-Takeback Foundation is here to help, with laptops and support packages that are as individual as the people they're designed to support.
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Harper, who is autistic, used his laptop to help him navigate life at university.