Lewisham Council part of national plan to keep the most vulnerable connected in time for Christmas

The Community Calling campaign is a lifeline for people who are struggling as a result of the pandemic, and will see smartphones donated in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark where communities face high levels of inequality, poverty, exclusion and employment challenges.

As part of the campaign, O2 will be donating 12 months of free connectivity to the beneficiaries, which will include unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 6GB of data per month for a full year. The target for Lambeth, Lewisham & Southwark is to distribute 2000 devices in the coming months.

Digital connectivity has been vital this year: preserving economic output, helping businesses adapt and keeping us close to the ones we love. However, too many people are digitally excluded, without access to devices or connectivity.

In Lewisham, the most vulnerable individuals have been identified as those who are shielding, the elderly, refugees, domestic abuse survivors and those in low income households. The project will work with a range of community organisations to target those most in need of a device.

All beneficiaries will also be able to access digital skills training, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the longer term. Lewisham Council and its’ partners provide a range of essential digital skills training, and these devices will enable greater participation in these services.

A national rollout will then follow in Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Swansea and Glasgow, with the campaign targeting cities either facing, or at risk of Tier 3 lockdown restrictions. The full rollout will be completed by Spring 2021.

Lewisham Council are delighted to be working with Hubbub alongside neighboring boroughs Lambeth & Southwark to deliver this pilot ahead of the national rollout.

You can support the campaign and donate your old smartphone to Community Calling.

Cllr Joe Dromey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Jobs and Skills, said:

“In an increasingly digital world, access to the internet is crucial. Whether it be looking for a job, accessing public services, or just keeping in touch with family and friends, a smartphone can make a huge difference.

“Every year, millions of handsets are thrown away, yet millions of residents lack a smartphone. That can’t be right. So we’re delighted to be involved in this pioneering project, and we’d encourage local businesses and residents to take part by donating any un-used phones.”

Mark Evans, Chief Executive of O2, said:

“Connectivity has been vital to keeping the country running during the pandemic, but if you’re unable to get online you’re likely to miss out on a lot of support. We’ve already seen the positive impact Community Calling has had on vulnerable people in Southwark, so we’re pleased to announce this expansion and tackle digital exclusion elsewhere across the country. We’re determined to support the people who need it most.”

Gavin Ellis, Director and Co-Founder at Hubbub, said:

“It’s been heart-warming to see the positive impact receiving a smartphone through the Community Calling project has already had on so many people’s lives. Being connected to loved ones and accessing essential services is easily taken for granted, but is still not a reality for too many people. We’re looking forward to working with O2 to expand Community Calling to get more people connected and prevent unnecessary electrical waste. We’re calling on individuals and businesses with spare smartphones to donate them to somebody who needs a device to stay connected at this difficult time.”

Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Matt Warman said: “Digital connectivity has been a lifeline for many of us during the pandemic and I welcome O2’s efforts to get more vulnerable people online."