North Somerset Council is launching a new initiative to support low-income residents by offering free refurbished smartphones. The council has received 45 Samsung Galaxy phones donated by the digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation. These devices will be distributed to individuals who lack access to suitable phones or mobile data, helping them stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in a low-income household, and have minimal or no access to a smartphone or mobile internet. Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council, highlighted the importance of being online: “Access to the internet is essential for everyday activities like applying for jobs, accessing vital services, learning new skills, and maintaining social connections.”
Gibbons also expressed gratitude to the Good Things Foundation for their support, emphasizing that the smartphones will enable residents to seize opportunities they might otherwise miss.
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This initiative follows a successful collaboration between the council and Good Things Foundation to distribute 40 refurbished laptops via local libraries. Those laptops have already made a difference, helping residents access online services, pursue education, and stay connected. For example, a single parent has used a laptop to study Maths and English while job hunting, an 87-year-old woman from Congresbury uses her device to engage with community groups, and a resident with Parkinson’s disease relies on his laptop to communicate and access support services.
Residents interested in applying for a free smartphone can do so through the council’s Skill Connect website or by visiting their local North Somerset library.