VODAFONE AND BARNARDO’S ISSUE PLEA FOR PUBLIC TO DONATE TO ‘THE GREAT BRITISH TECH APPEAL’

Vodafone UK, with charity partner Barnardo’s, has issued a new plea for the UK public and businesses to donate pre-loved smartphones and tablets to ‘The Great British Tech Appeal’ to help young people access support and mental health services during the January lockdown and beyond. Whilst the need for connectivity for education has been well publicised, there are also many families and young people unable to reach essential support services due to a lack of devices and connectivity. The list of those waiting for a device via Barnardo’s has increased to as many as 730 since the start of the latest UK lockdown.

In June 2020, Barnardo’s launched a rapid support programme for children and families affected by COVID-19 which has so far provided support for 48,328 children. In the first phase of the programme, 36% of children referred were lacking the digital connectivity essential to access the support they needed. Barnardo’s estimates that around 700,000 children and young people across the UK do not have adequate access to a computer or internet access at home.

The Great British Tech Appeal is looking for any smartphone or tablet in working condition. Donating tech is simple, fast and free of charge. Vodafone will add six months free unlimited data connectivity and, via Barnardo’s, redistribute the devices to children and families on the waiting list. This follows a successful appeal in summer 2020 that delivered devices to almost 2,500 people across the UK. For more information on how to donate, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk/techappeal.

Aaron, aged 15, is a Barnardo’s Young Carer and looks after his Mother. He received a smartphone via the Great British Tech Appeal in July 2020 and said: “Having the phone has helped so much. I can keep in touch with Mum when she is in hospital and I feel less alone as I can easily talk to friends and family. I can even access school work on it and complete homework that is overdue.”

Cameron aged 19 who is a Business Student at Barnardo’s Employment Training and Skills (Yorkshire) said: “Having the phone was a big benefit, I am now able to participate in online lessons. I found a job with a week or two of getting the phone. He also added, “I was able to connect with people again, talk to family and friends – it really helped me.”

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have hit vulnerable children especially hard. The lack of devices and affordable internet access means many children already at a disadvantage are falling further behind at school and missing out on vital support and opportunities. We’re delighted to be working with Vodafone to help provide vulnerable children with much needed technology so they can take part in lessons, access services, and work towards a positive future.”

Helen Lamprell, General Counsel and External Affairs Director, said: “When we heard about the rising number of people waiting for devices via Barnardo’s, we wanted to help. We know many people and businesses have already donated – or are using spare devices at home for remote learning – but we hope there might be some smartphones or tablets sitting unused, especially after Christmas. If you can help us by donating your device, we will make sure – with Barnardo’s – that it gets to those most in need.”

Vodafone has recently announced it will be providing unlimited data as part of the Department for Education’s Get Help with Technology programme to increase data allowances for disadvantaged children. It has also provided 350,000 data SIMs to more than 9,000 schools and further education colleges across the UK as part of the Vodafone schools.connected programme; and is working with other UK operators to enable the DfE-funded Oak National Academy to zero rate its online lessons to the end of this academic year.

To find out more and to donate to The Great British Tech Appeal, please visit www.vodafone.co.uk/techappeal and complete a short online form to receive a donation kit with a flattened freepost box and pre-paid returns envelope. Devices can be posted at any post office or post box.