Irwin Mitchell turns recycled IT equipment into £100,000 donation for homelessness charity Crisis

Law firm Irwin Mitchell has donated £100,000 to its national charity partner, Crisis, to help fund digital skills support training and frontline services helping people move out of homelessness across the UK.

The donation has been made possible through an award-winning IT recycling scheme. Through the initiative, the law firm’s old mobile phones, laptops and servers are reused, recycled or repurposed, ensuring no items are sent to landfill and supporting the firm’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Funds generated through the resale of equipment are then donated to Crisis to help support its digital skills training.

Since summer 2025, the scheme has recycled more than 1,500 IT assets, preventing over 131,000kg of CO₂ emissions and generating £50,000 of resale value. This was then match-funded by the Irwin Mitchell Charities Foundation (IMCF), bringing the total donation to £100,000. The IMCF is an independent charity established by employees of the firm to create positive social impact in the communities it serves.

The funding will support two Crisis projects designed to help people experiencing homelessness develop the skills needed to overcome barriers to securing housing, employment and support services.

In London, the funding will support a Digital Skills Tutor programme providing one-to-one and group sessions to help people build confidence using technology and access essential services, from benefits and banking to housing applications and job searches.

In Newcastle and Birmingham, the donation will support Strength and Asset Coaches who work with people to identify their goals, build confidence and develop practical life skills, including budgeting, employability and tenancy management.

Crisis is Irwin Mitchell’s official charity partner, with the law firm committed to supporting the organisation’s work to end homelessness in the UK.

Nirupa Wikramanayake, chief information officer at Irwin Mitchell said: 

“This donation demonstrates how innovative initiatives can deliver social and environmental benefits at the same time. By recycling and repurposing old IT equipment, we have been able to reduce waste and generate significant funds for an important cause. We are also incredibly grateful to the IMCF for matching the funds raised, enabling us to donate £100,000 to Crisis and support its vital digital skills work.

 

“It is a privilege to work alongside Crisis, whose team works tirelessly to tackle homelessness. We hope this funding will help make a meaningful difference to the people they support.”

Alice Hendy, Senior Partnerships Manager at Crisis, said: 

“Irwin Mitchell's donation will help people experiencing homelessness build the digital skills, confidence and stability they need to move forward.

 

“By providing access to essential tools and guidance, it will make everyday tasks such as applying for housing and managing finances more accessible and achievable.

 

“We are incredibly grateful for Irwin Mitchell's generosity and commitment to helping people overcome barriers and create brighter, more independent futures."