Gloucester House appeals for laptop donations to rebuild help lives

published on 22 Jul 2026

Gloucester House, a Salvation Army-run addiction rehabilitation centre in Swindon Highworth, has launched an urgent appeal for laptop donations to help residents rebuild their lives through education and essential life skills.

The centre, which supports men from across the UK recovering from substance misuse, is asking the public and local businesses to donate laptops in good working condition. The devices will be refurbished and used on-site to help residents gain qualifications, learn vital digital skills, and prepare for independent living.

For many of the men at Gloucester House, addiction began in their teenage years, meaning crucial educational milestones and qualifications were missed. Programme Manager Maz Hyde explained that access to technology is a game-changer for residents.

For many who come through our doors, this is the first time in their lives they have ever lived on their own or held a tenancy. We want to teach them the basics – from opening an email account to contacting gas and electric companies. We also want residents to have access to basic Maths and English courses. A laptop makes all of this possible,
said Maz.

The appeal has already sparked a wave of community support. An ex-resident with a talent for technology has volunteered to run peer-led workshops at the centre, teaching current residents computer basics in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

How the donation process works

The centre has made the donation process simple and secure:

- Drop-off or Collection: Donors can drop laptops off at Gloucester House or arrange a collection if they are within a reasonable distance.

- Specification: A basic Windows operating system is all that is required.

- Data Security: All donated devices will have their data securely wiped and restored to factory settings by centre staff, ensuring donor privacy is protected.

- Contact Gloucester House via email: GHinfo@salvationarmy.org.uk or through their Facebook page: Gloucester House - Salvation Army.

The devices will be refurbished and used on-site to help residents gain qualifications, learn vital digital skills, and prepare for independent living.

Initially, the refurbished laptops will remain at the centre as a shared resource to benefit the high turnover of residents. However, the long-term ambition is to eventually equip each resident with a laptop to keep, helping them sustain their newfound independence after they leave.

Maz said, “Every laptop donated represents a step away from addiction and a step towards a new life. So, having access to a laptop will enable us to make residents ready to live independently. It’s not just about learning; it’s about building confidence and a brighter future.”

The provision of laptops and teaching residents’ digital skills is part of practical ways of empowering residents at Gloucester House. Beyond addressing the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, the centre takes a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on rebuilding lives through education, life skills, and personal development. By providing residential care, peer support, and access to vocational training, Gloucester House empowers residents to break the cycle of addiction and gain the confidence and practical tools needed to live independently. To support the work of Gloucester House, visit their website and donate: Gloucester House | The Salvation Army.