Vodafone has announced plans to distribute more than 10,000 devices to disadvantaged children during the coronavirus crisis.
The operator has launched its ‘The Great British Tech Appeal’ along with charity Barnardo’s as it calls on the public to donate smartphone and tablets.
This initiative will run for six weeks and will also provide devices for the British Red Cross.
It will also support the charity SaveLives which helps victims of domestic abuse.
All of the donated devices will be data wiped and re-boxed with a cable and charger.
A study by The Royal Society of Chemistry estimates 45pc of homes has up to five unused devices. This figure suggests there’s around 40 million unused devices in the UK.
To donate to this initiative, users can visit www.vodafone.co.uk/techappeal and donate any unwanted devices.
It is estimated that there is over 700,000 children and young people in the UK without adequate connectivity access at home.
While ‘digital poverty’ is affecting around 300,000 within this group to keep in contact with essential workers.
Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery said the operator remains committed to keeping the UK connecting during the crisis.
“Our focus throughout this crisis has been Keeping the UK Connected.
“The Great British Tech Appeal relies on the generosity of the public and we call on them to get behind this appeal. Your old phone or tablet really could change a life.”
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan added: “If you do have a smartphone or tablet at home that you’re not using, please consider donating it to the Great British Tech Appeal so we can help children learn and stay safe at home.”
