The desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones have been given by NHS Mid and South Essex to the Digital Essex project, which is run by Essex County Council.
The handover took place at Brentwood Hospital.
The devices had reached the end of their operational life within the NHS and would otherwise have been recycled.
Instead, they have been wiped and refurbished for use by schoolchildren, including those eligible for free school meals, to help them develop digital skills.
Dr Sophia Morris, system clinical lead for health inequalities at NHS Mid and South Essex, said: “This partnership is so important for helping to tackle health inequalities across the county.
“Around one in five people in the UK either lack basic digital skills or do not use digital technology at all.
“This lack of access or knowledge can impact how people safely and confidently manage their health.
“This includes at-risk or underserved groups, including older people, people with learning disabilities, and low-income families.
“By donating those devices to local schoolchildren, we want to narrow the gap and give children the skills, knowledge, and ability to access technology.
“Our goal is to open the doors to digital health tools and have a lasting impact on their health and wellbeing.”
She said the donations “will help children have the confidence to access information that supports healthy habits and looking after their own health”.
This is the first device donation from NHS Mid and South Essex to the Digital Essex project.
Cllr Louise McKinlay, deputy leader of Essex County Council and cabinet member for communities, economic growth, and prosperity, said: “This is a fantastic initiative that’s helping to close the digital divide across Essex.
“This campaign will help ensure children have access to the digital tools they need, not just to learn, but to thrive in today’s digital world.
“Every device donated is a step toward greater opportunity, inclusion, and support for families who need it most.”
The donation includes five desktop computers, 164 laptops, 29 phones, and several tablets.
