Crisis has partnered with Virgin Media O2 and Good Things Foundation to provide access to free devices and data for people supporting people experiencing, and at risk of, homelessness.
Through our partnership, Crisis members will be able to make use of free O2 data, texts and calls via the National Databank and receive free second-hand smartphones from the Community Calling programme – run by Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity, Hubbub.
With access to smartphones and data, people experiencing homelessness can access essential services – such as finding a place to stay, locating food banks, accessing online medical help and contacting loved ones.
We are offering the devices and data to members across our network of nine Skylight Centres in Great Britain - with Skylights South Wales and Oxford also receiving free Wi-Fi from Virgin Media O2.
Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer at Virgin Media O2, said:
“To help people most affected by the cost-of-living crisis, we’re opening the doors to more National Databank Digital Inclusion Hubs than ever before and making it easier for people to get connected. With O2 stores, Crisis’ Skylight Centres and Driving for Change’s buses becoming Databanks, and Virgin Media O2 boosting free O2 mobile data to 25GB per month, there are more places for people in need to get help so they can get online, access essential services, and keep in touch with loved ones this Christmas and beyond.”
Matt Downie, Chief Executive for Crisis, said:
“Being able to use the internet to access services, or call a friend or family member, is such a vital part of everyday life. Yet many people facing homelessness often don’t have the ability to do so and without that connection, it can add to feelings of isolation and anxiety. We’re so pleased to be partnering with Virgin Media O2 to provide vital data and devices to the people we support. This connection will play an important part in helping people to discover a life beyond homelessness, being able to access support from Crisis over the phone and ultimately find somewhere safe and secure to live.”
If you have any questions regarding the Virgin Media 02 and Crisis partnership, please get in touch by email with ella.dinsdale@crisis.org.uk.
About Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 launched on 1 June 2021, combining the UK’s largest and most reliable mobile network with a fully gigabit broadband network where customers benefit from average speeds 5x faster than the national average.
The company has 46 million UK connections across its award-winning broadband, mobile, TV and home phone services. Its fixed network covers more than half of the country (16.4m homes serviceable) alongside a mobile network that covers 99% of the nation’s population, with 5G services live in more than 2,800 towns and cities. The company is on track to reach 50% population 5G coverage in 2023.
Through Virgin Media O2 Business, the company plays a leading role supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, enterprises and the public sector with their digital transformation through a range of connectivity, security, cloud and tailor-made services. It is also the network of choice for mobile virtual network operators giffgaff and Sky Mobile, as well as managing a 50:50 joint venture with Tesco for Tesco Mobile.
The company is committed to using the power of connectivity to make its better for people and the planet, taking action to close the digital divide and building an inclusive, resilient, and low carbon economy. The business has set an ambitious commitment to achieve net zero carbon across its operations, products and supply chain by the end of 2040.