The scheme targets disadvantaged people, with free donated phones provided to the homeless or those who’ve just left the military or suffering from domestic abuse.
Three will also give anyone receiving one of these devices a full 3 months connectivity so they can use to sign up for job alerts, get back online and into the world again.
Mary, from Hertfordshire, received a phone from the Reconnected scheme and tells us…
Anyone with a phone sitting in the back of the drawer or boxed up in the wardrobe gathering dust? Why not help someone out by asking at your nearest Three store how to recycle it.
Full details below..
NEW SCHEME HELPS DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE FIND THEIR CALLING
Three UK has today announced the launch of a new scheme called Reconnected which will see some of the UK’s most disadvantaged people connected to the digital world thanks to free mobile devices.
The scheme, which launches today (1st February 2017), asks members of the public to donate their unused smartphones to Three, who will then work closely with partners to give the handsets to disadvantaged members of the community, such as those who are at risk of homelessness and looking for work, people who have just left the military or victims of domestic abuse.
Three has teamed up with charities and recycling partner GSUK so that the handsets can easily be distributed to those who need to get online. Business in the Community’s Ready for Work scheme for example has helped over 4,000 people get into work since 2001.The Hyde Group is a leading provider affordable housing, and Good Things Foundation helps people with digital skills support and advice on finance and literacy through the thousands of partners in its Online Centres Network.
Those who receive a device via the Reconnected Scheme will also be given three months free access to the Three network allowing them to go online, sign up to job alerts and make important calls without having to worry about the costs.
It’s estimated that over 20 million* phones are left unused in homes, and it’s handsets like these that Three wants to redistribute to those in need. There are over 15 million** adults who don’t have smartphones in the UK, which can leave people feeling isolated or behind when it comes to using technology, applying for jobs and staying in touch with their friends and family.
Other unused phones end up as electronic waste, which is a huge loss of valuable materials, and also contributes to a mounting and costly problem in the UK where electronics are not recycled properly.
Vicki Blenkarn, Director of Engagement at Three says, “Reconnected is a simple but very effective way to help those in need to get online. Initially, we rolled the scheme out internally and the feedback from our employees has been fantastic. We are therefore so excited to launch Reconnected with the public to get even more people involved. Whether it’s keeping in touch with family or checking updates on job websites such as LinkedIn, phones have become part of our lives. Handing over an unused phone is a small gesture that can make a huge difference.”
Mary, 58, from Hertfordshire received a phone via the Hyde Group in conjunction with the Reconnected scheme, “Before I got my Reconnected smartphone, I was terrified of technology. I wanted a job, so I knew I needed to get online. My employment advisor helped me to develop my confidence and by the end of the three-month programme, I was emailing prospective employers and talking to my employment advisor via email. I set myself up with a Three SIM package at the end of the three months and it’s opened so many doors for me.”
Helen Milner, Chief Executive from Good Things Foundation, a partner in the Reconnected scheme says, “We support some of the UK’s most disadvantaged people to improve their lives through digital. Alongside developing their skills, we help people to compete for jobs, connect with friends and family, access money savings and much more. Now that we’re joining forces with Three’s customers as part of the Reconnected scheme, their unused phones can help the people we work with become more confident with technology and make the most of our support programmes.”
To donate an old phone, ask how in your local Three store. To find your nearest store, visit www.three.co.uk
