There were calls to donate unwanted smartphones to those in need

Smartphone users are being encouraged to donate their old and unwanted devices to a charity that keeps those most in need connected.

Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity Hubbub are calling on people to donate devices to Community Calling – a programme that aims to provide phones to people who need them, including victims of domestic abuse, refugees and disadvantaged communities.

A new study by both companies found that 44% of people wrongly believe that charities do not accept smartphones.

Previous research by Virgin Media O2 estimates there are as many as 15 million unwanted and unused devices in UK homes.

The Community Calling program was created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide smartphones to those who could not afford to purchase devices or have an internet connection.

The organisation wants to donate 20,000 devices to people in need across the country, and free mobile data will be provided by the National Database, set up by Virgin Media O2 and the Good Things Foundation.

Many reports suggest that some people are at risk of being cut off from society due to a lack of tools necessary to use the internet in an increasingly digital world.

Dana Haidan, Director of Sustainability at Virgin Media O2, said: “We know people in the UK want to do more to help communities in need. With millions of unused phones sitting in drawers and garages, they have the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives by donating their devices to Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Community Calling programme.

“The quick and simple act of handing over a phone will help people in need access the internet and basic services such as making medical appointments, applying for a job or training, and keeping in touch with loved ones.”

Hubbub chief executive Alex Robinson said: “Four years after Covid-19 struck, digital divide remains a serious problem for hundreds of thousands of people across the UK.

“That’s why we’re excited to celebrate the milestone of donating 20,000 devices in use and free data across Community Connections.

“We have made donating a device to Community Calling easy and simple to encourage even more businesses and individuals to donate their old devices to support those at risk of digital exclusion.”