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, along with up to 12 months’ free mobile data, minutes, and texts via the National Databank to help recipients get online.
Our partner Relove Technology securely wipes and cleans every device before it’s passed on. So far we’ve rehomed over 32,000 smartphones – could your unused phone be next?
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 32,000 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.
Stories from our recipients
Chiara, a London resident for whom English is not her first language, was referred by her support worker to a local digital inclusion organisation that had received devices through Community Calling. She had been struggling with an old phone that had become too unreliable for everyday tasks - filling in council paperwork online or searching for job opportunities was often frustratingly difficult. Receiving a new device has made a meaningful difference to her independence: she can now manage essential admin more easily and, just as importantly, use maps to navigate the city with confidence. For Chiara, being able to get around without getting lost has a real impact on how safe and settled she feels in her daily life.
N, a young man aged 18–25, left home after experiencing abuse from his father and spent time rough sleeping, unsure where to turn. Eventually, he presented himself as homeless to the council. Bright and motivated, N is determined to improve his life chances. He is now receiving specialist housing and tenancy support. To help him move forward, his link worker requested a Community Calling phone. N wanted to enrol on Skills for Life courses to gain Level 2 qualifications in English, Maths, and Digital skills, as well as claim Universal Credit while actively seeking employment opportunities.
“With this phone and the SIM, I can finally start building the future I want. I can apply for jobs, join courses, and stay in touch with the people who are helping me. It feels like I’ve got a lifeline.”
- N, Community Calling recipient
Michelle was at immediate risk of homelessness after experiencing financial hardship and a relationship breakdown. Without a reliable phone, she was unable to keep in contact with housing services, charities, or potential employers. This left her isolated at a time when she urgently needed support.
After receiving a phone through the Community Calling programme, Michelle was able to stay in regular contact with her housing officer, apply for emergency accommodation, and access online job listings. Having a phone restored her sense of control during a deeply uncertain period and helped her actively work towards stability.
“When everything felt like it was falling apart, having a phone plus that free sim card meant I could actually reach out for help. It gave me hope that I wasn’t on my own and that things could still change.”
- Michelle, Community Calling recipient
K, a woman aged 36–45, is living in temporary hotel accommodation with her children after escaping a violent relationship. Without a phone or mobile data, she faced daily challenges staying in touch with her link worker, who provides vital advice and emotional support during this difficult time.
Previously, K had to use the hotel reception phone for these conversations, often in a public space, which compromised her privacy and dignity. Recognising this, her link worker requested a Community Calling phone.
“This means I no longer face the humiliation of asking to use a phone. When I speak to my support worker, it’s private, and I feel safer. I can call from anywhere, not just the hotel reception.”
- K, Community Calling recipient
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.
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