Crisis to offer free phones and data to the homeless

Homeless people are to be offered free phones and data, as part of a new partnership to end digital exclusion.

Tesco Mobile has teamed up with the charity Crisis for a two-year project, with the aim of helping thousands of people experiencing homelessness across Britain to reconnect with society.

The partnership includes £700,000 worth of phones, devices and data in the first year.

A recent study of homeless charities and organisations revealed that over three-quarters (76%) had seen an increase in the number of people experiencing digital exclusion and requiring additional support.

Three-quarters (75%) also said lack of digital technology or internet was a challenge affecting their ability to support people experiencing homelessness.

In addition, Tesco Mobile is launching a number of ways in which its more than 5 million customers and members of the public can get involved in fundraising efforts over the coming months.

In support of Crisis’ Home for All campaign, people can donate their old smartphone, with money raised funding more phones, devices and connectivity for Crisis.

People are also being invited to text to donate, with donations helping more Crisis members keep connected.

A recent poll by Tesco Mobile revealed that three-quarters of Brits (76%) don’t feel informed about the role mobile phones and connectivity can play in helping to end homelessness.

Yet despite this, almost the same number of people admitted they hadn’t been without a phone themselves for more than 24 hours in the last year (78%), claiming it was their main way to stay connected with others during lockdown (75%).

‘We’re delighted to be partnering with Tesco Mobile at such a crucial point in time as we move out of lockdown,’ said Crisis chief executive, Jon Sparkes.

‘Access to a phone or to the internet has been vital for so many people throughout the pandemic to stay connected, yet it’s something we know people experiencing homelessness often don’t have, and this adds to feelings of isolation and anxiety.

‘As thousands of people have been moved in from sleeping on our streets to hotels, we have been ensuring that we can continue to be there by adapting our services. A lack of digital connection has become a huge challenge for our frontline services today.

‘During lockdown, we provided 1,000 mobile phones to clients to ensure they can continue to access support digitally, reconnect with family and friends and find somewhere safe and settled to live online.

‘By working with Tesco Mobile, we will build on this work and ensure a far greater number of people experiencing homelessness across Great Britain can connect with Crisis and other vital services to help them end their homelessness for good,’ added Mr Sparkes.

Photo Credit – Supplied