Lockdown has rapidly revolutionised what we can access from home. From transforming living rooms into gyms with Joe Wicks, into classrooms with homeschooling and even a doctor’s surgery with video appointments, it’s safe to say connectivity has been a lifeline for many. 77% of us say that our phone and internet has been the most supportive coping strategy (ONS). It’s enabling us to stay connected with our family and friends by becoming video-call whizzes.

Sadly, 1.9 million UK households have no access to the internet meaning that life under lockdown has created new challenges. For the most vulnerable, self-isolation has increased loneliness and the ability to connect to vital services. Meanwhile, for every single phone in use across the UK four sit unused, tucked away on our homes. It’s time to dig them out and help get people connected - these phones could be a lifeline. 

Gift your phone with #CommunityCalling

We’re partnering with O2 to bring you Community Calling. Do you have a smartphone going unused? Free it from lockdown and gift it on with a message of hope to help others get connected with family, friends and essential support in their community. Starting in Southwark, one of the most COVID-19 affected areas across the UK, we’re working with Southwark Council, Community Southwark and local groups to reach those who are most isolated. Don’t worry if you don’t live in Southwark, we welcome smartphone donations from anywhere in the UK. 

Every phone gifted will be data-wiped and sterilised by specialists Recono.me, and O2 will be providing SIM cards with 15GB data, unlimited texts and unlimited minutes for 30 days. Recipients will also be supported with remote assistance and tech support to get up and running so that they can learn how to use their new devices with ease.

Get started

If you’ve got a working smartphone and would like to gift it, thank you, please fill in the form below. After that, we’ll be in touch with instructions on how to prepare your phone, along with a Freepost label so you can send it to Recono.me who will get your phone ready for its new home. 

SIGN UP TO gift your phone

FAQs

Who will the phones go to?

Southwark, London has been one region in the UK most affected by COVID-19 cases, so we're working with the local council and community aid groups in the area to identify people who will benefit most from a phones. We want to help reduce isolation and give people access to essential services. 

What phones can I gift and what should I send you?

We’re asking for any workable smartphone. At a minimum, we require a working phone. If you can share a charger for your phone that would be ideal.

    What condition should the phone be in?

    All phones must still be in working condition. 

    If the phone has significant damage like a cracked or broken screen, damaged body, not powering up, speaker/mic faults etc. it may not be suitable for Community Calling, but it would be perfect for recycling. Any phones that are donated and aren't in workable condition will be recycled. 

    Do I need to do anything before I send you the phone?

    Yes, you'll need to do a factory reset of your phone, as well as removing any networks, locks and accounts. Once you've registered to gift your phone above, we'll send you a guide for doing this. 

    Community Calling was brought together with the support of O2 UK and Recono.me. The groups we are working with in Southwark to distribute phones to are Community Southwark, Southwark Works, Age UK, Bede House, Time & Talents, Pecan, Pembroke House, Linkage, Solace, Quay Health Solutions, Southwark Group of Tenant Organisations and Renaisi