NHS partnership to give people free data to get online

People living in Torbay and South Devon are being given free SIM cards as part of a new scheme to combat digital exclusion.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is working with the Good Things Foundation to offer low-income families, health and social care staff and the people they care for pre-paid SIM cards for their mobile phone to help them to get online.

The Good Things Foundation is the UK’s leading digital inclusion charity and is on a mission to “help everyone become digitally equal, able and safe, so that they can be happier, healthier and better off.”

The partnership is offering data on pre-loaded SIMs to anyone who is older than 18 and is from a low-income household and either has no or insufficient access to the internet at home, or cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top-up.

Helen Davies-Cox, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Head of Personalised Care said: “More and more people are using the internet and social media to manage their health appointments, do their shopping and keep in touch with friends and family.

“We have some of the most deprived communities in the country and want to do more to help people who are struggling financially by giving them free data to get online without having to worry about money.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Good Things Foundation to support this initiative, which directly addresses digital exclusion in our communities. By providing free SIM cards, we’re empowering individuals to stay connected, access essential services, and improve their opportunities.”

For more details, or to apply for a SIM, please email tsdft.goodthings@nhs.net, call 01803 656700, fill out the free data application form or talk to a member of the library team which is based at Torbay Hospital’s Horizon Centre.