Community Calling: re-home your old smartphone
Did you know that approximately 2.8 million people in the UK do not have access to the internet at all (Ofcom)? Meanwhile, an estimated 123 million unused electronic devices are gathering dust, tucked away unused in our homes.
Community Calling, set up by Hubbub and Virgin Media O2, rehomes unwanted smartphones with people who need them. Together with the National Databank, we provide up to 12 months’ free data, plus minutes and texts, to help people get online, access essential websites, and to stay in touch with loved ones.
Hubbub’s partner, Relove Technology, securely data wipes and cleans devices before they are provided those who need them.
So far, Community Calling has rehomed more than 24,000 smartphones, providing people with vital support. Do you have an unused phone that could be next?
To celebrate Community Calling’s fifth anniversary, we’ve teamed up with CEWE to offer a voucher code for a free CEWE PHOTOBOOK worth £37.99 to the first 500 people who donate a working, eligible device. Codes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to those who send in device that meets our eligibility and suitability criteria. Postage not included. Terms and conditions apply.
It’s a chance to not only give your old phone a second life, but to help unlock the photos stored on your unused device by turning them into a beautiful, 100% recycled photobook!
Unsure how to back up your phone?
Check out step-by-step guide to saving your content here.
- Remember - you must take steps to back up your data and then delete your data from your handset before you send it in to Hubbub.
- Hubbub and/or their partners will wipe any remaining data on handsets sent to them.
- No data on handsets will be retained by us.
To see if your device is eligible/qualifies, scroll down!
Does your unused phone qualify?
Please note: only certain makes/models are eligible to donate. This is to ensure we rehome devices that are as safe and secure as possible, and will have some longevity for the people receiving them. Please head to the sign-up form to see if your device qualifies.
Your old phone must also:
- Not have a cracked screen or back
- Not be locked to any accounts or networks, including Mobile Device Management software
- Hold a charge for at least a few hours
All good? Sign up to receive a freepost envelope* and check out what to do with your phone before posting. Once done and you’ve received your envelope, pop it in a post-box, no need to go to the post office!
The difference your phones are making
So far, over 24,000 phones have been rehomed by Community Calling. For some people, it’s the first phone they’ve ever had. For others, it’s the first time with a phone that connects to the internet so they can access education sites, health advice, employment services, as well as connect with loved ones.
We work with community groups and local councils to find people who will benefit most from a phone and make sure digital skills training is available. From survivors of domestic abuse to asylum seekers to low-income households, everyone’s situation is different.
Send your unused phone(s) to Community Calling:
- Sign up to send your smartphone.
- Are you a business wanting to support? Or are you an individual with more than 5 devices to donate? Get in touch at communitycalling@hubbub.org.uk and we can help arrange a collection.
- Learn more about the work Virgin Media O2 are doing to help get people connected.
Thanks for being a part of Community Calling.
Curious to know more about Hubbub?
At Hubbub, we want to see a world where everyone makes choices that are good for the environment. Check out what we do and the difference we’re making.