Free SIM cards offered to tackle digital exclusion

The NHS said it was offering low-income families pre-paid SIM cards to help get them online

The NHS in Devon is offering free SIM cards to people unable to afford mobile phone contracts as part of an initiative to tackle digital exclusion.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said it had partnered with the charity Good Things Foundation to offer low-income families pre-paid SIM cards to help get them online.

The trust said it would provide the pre-loaded SIMs to anyone over the age of 18 from a low-income household with either no or insufficient access to the internet at home or cannot afford their existing monthly mobile contract or top-up.

Helen Davies-Cox, from the trust said: "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."

The NHS said the SIMS provide a "lifeline" for people who may otherwise struggle to manage their online appointments and stay connected with friends and family.

It said the charity hopes to "help everyone become digitally equal, able and safe, so that they can be happier, healthier and better off".

Ms Davies-Cox, 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.

"Our partnership with the Good Things Foundation is helping to directly addresses digital exclusion in our communities and providing a practical solution to help people to overcome some of the barriers they may face getting online.

"By providing free SIM cards, we're empowering individuals to stay connected, access essential services, and improve their opportunities."

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