Social and digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation has joined forces with sustainable electronic refurbishing company Reconome to create the UK’s first ever National Device Bank. According to Ofcom, 1.5m households have no access to the internet, while Lloyds CDI reports that 10m people in the UK lack basic digital skills.

The National Databank is a partnership between Good Things Foundation and Virgin Media, O2, Vodafone, and Three UK. Together, they will be supporting people with 500,000 SIMs and a refurbished device through a national service delivered by thousands of community partners in disadvantaged communities. 

Refurbished devices will be provided for free to people who can’t afford or access them through the National Device Bank. The recipient will also have access to free data connectivity through the National Databank. Devices and data will be provided to people in need by thousands of hyperlocal community organisations and charities in Good Things Foundation’s Online Centres Network who will also support people to get online and develop the digital skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world.

“We’re delighted to partner with Reconome, giving refurbished devices to people in need and helping to tackle the digital divide,” said Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO at Good Things Foundation. “Organisations want to do more to tackle climate change – and many are aware that digital inclusion is essential to their overall mission. Together, we can do good things for the planet and for excluded people.”