Community Calling: re-home your old smartphone
Did you know 2.8 million people in the UK still have no internet access (Ofcom), while an estimated 123 million unused devices sit gathering dust at home?
Community Calling, created by Hubbub and Virgin Media O2, rehomes unwanted smartphones with people who need them. In partnership with the National Databank, we provide up to 12 months’ free data, minutes and texts to help recipients get online and stay connected.
Our partner Relove Technology securely wipes and cleans every device before it’s passed on. So far we’ve rehomed over 24,000 smartphones – could your unused phone be next?
To mark Community Calling’s fifth anniversary, we’ve partnered with CEWE to offer a free voucher code for a CEWE PHOTOBOOK worth £37.99 to the first 500 people who donate a working, eligible device. Codes are issued on a first-come basis once we receive a device that meets our criteria (postage not included; T&Cs apply).
It’s your chance to give your old phone a second life – and turn stored photos into a beautiful, 100% recycled photobook!
Does your unused phone qualify?
Please note: only certain makes and models are eligible for donation. This helps us ensure every rehomed device is safe, secure and has enough life left for the person receiving it. Check our sign-up form to see if your device qualifies.
- Back up and delete your data (see step-by-step guide to saving your content and preparing your phone for donation). Any remaining data will be securely wiped by Hubbub and partners, and no data will be retained.
- Make sure your phone has no cracked screen or back.
- Make sure it’s not locked to any accounts, networks or Mobile Device Management.
- Ensure it holds 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.