Vodafone UK’s everyone.connected initiative helps put free, data-loaded SIMs into the hands of those who need them most, including people relying on the services of homelessness charity Centrepoint.
Allowing a family to update their Universal Credit journal. Supporting a young person in their job hunt. Arranging temporary accommodation for those fleeing domestic violence.
These are just some of the ways that Vodafone’s free SIMs have been put to use by homelessness charity Centrepoint, as part of a partnership with broader property industry charity LandAid.
Through its charities.connected initiative, Vodafone has donated more than 55,000 SIMs to date, with £1.4 million worth of data provided in 2023 alone.
“The impact of the charities.connected scheme has been phenomenal, and we are so grateful for Vodafone’s generosity in ring-fencing 50,000 of their SIM cards each year for distribution to charities tackling homelessness.”
Paul Morrish, Chief Executive, LandAid
Having started working together in August 2022, Vodafone has since been named ‘Partner of the Year’ at The LandAid Awards 2023 – a testament to just how important connectivity remains for those facing precarious living situations.
One instance, for example, saw a 17-year-old referred to Centrepoint after being forced out of her mother’s house, with her phone contract being cancelled in the process.
Arriving at the assessment centre stressed and unable to concentrate, a free SIM helped allay fears of contacting someone that would be able to house her temporarily.
This set the tone for the level of support the charity could offer, with Centrepoint eventually able to help settle her into more permanent accommodation at their own site, where she has since settled in well.
“I am continually moved by the powerful stories of how a SIM card, that many of us take for granted, has positively impacted the lives of vulnerable people who are at risk and trying to find support and safety.”
Paul Morrish, Chief Executive, LandAid
Through a local community centre in Bradford, Centrepoint has also given SIM cards to three local families who could not otherwise afford phone contracts.
This access to the internet has been transformational, allowing them to: update their Universal Credit journal; bid on local council housing options; and keep in touch with friends and family.
Vodafone supports homeless charities with free SIMs through charities.connected initiative and calls on others to apply
The 50,000 free SIMs will help those facing homelessness connect with vital help and services.
Meanwhile, another Bradford service user has landed a much-needed job thanks to a handset and donated Vodafone SIM, having previously not being able to arrange or take phone interviews without such connectivity.
Any UK-registered charity can apply for free connectivity through the Vodafone charities.connected initiative, whether to improve their own digital capability or help those they support to get online.
“With over £4m worth of data connectivity donated to the sector over the past two years, Vodafone has not only been instrumental in directly benefiting and connecting young people, but also in raising awareness of the problem of youth homelessness.”
Paul Morrish, Chief Executive, LandAid
SIMs are loaded with 40GB of data, plus free calls and texts, every month for six months, and are completely anonymous, requiring no address or payment details. As a result, the initiative has supported more than 2,000 organisations to date.
All of which falls under Vodafone’s wider everyone.connected programme, aimed at helping four million people and businesses cross the digital divide by 2025 through the donation of connectivity and tech, affordable services, and free digital support for business and communities.
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