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The Winter SIM Card Package Initiative in London

  • Borough: Southwark, Lambeth 
  • Organisation(s): IFB Gaming, Community Tech Aid
  • Topics: cost of living, digital access, technology

Who we are

In London, digital exclusion remains a persistent issue for many, leaving individuals disconnected from vital services and opportunities. Imagine not being able to make a simple phone call to your family, or complete online transactions, or log into your Universal Credit account, or search for a job, or book a doctor’s appointment.

Being disconnected in the winter, as beautifully shown by Virgin Media O2's 2024 Christmas ad, can mean missing out on critical support services, employment opportunities, healthcare, and social interactions that combat isolation.

The Winter SIM Card Care Initiative was championed by John Adewole in collaboration with IFB Gaming and Community Tech Aid. The initiative ensured that Southwark-based asylum seekers and refugees had open access to the tools, resources and skills for accessibility and connectivity during the harsh winter months.

How the initiative worked

The initiative was rolled out with precision and heart:  

  1. Community outreach: Through local community hubs, and partnerships with Tenants Resident Associations (TRAs) and charities, the programme reached those who needed it most.

  2. Distribution made easy: Beneficiaries could request delivery or pick up SIM cards at designated collection points called data waypoints, across Southwark and Lambeth.

  3. Empowering support: Alongside the SIM cards and laptops, some recipients were offered opportunity to pick up smartphones at Rotherhithe Community Centre.

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Who benefited?

The initiative targeted Londoners most affected by digital poverty, including:

  • refugees and asylum seekers trying to rebuild their lives

  • elderly individuals isolated from their families

  • low-income households struggling to make ends meet

  • people experiencing homelessness who need access to support services.
A poster with a man holding a laptop and a title that reads 'Winter Digital Care Package, Community Insights Hub' and text that reads '21 Laptops delivered to Empowering Futures'

'Winter Digital Care Package. Community Insights Hub. 21 Laptops delivered to Empowering Futures.'

What we learnt

  1. Devices matter: While SIM cards were crucial, many beneficiaries lacked space and devices to use them effectively.

  2. Trust and collaboration: Partnering with community organisations ensured the initiative reached the right people.

  3. The need for longevity: Addressing digital exclusion requires sustained efforts, not just seasonal interventions.

  4. No Work, No Recourse to Public Support: 88% of individuals supported through the programme had are new arrivals with No Recourse to Public Support visa status.

The changes we would like to see

The Winter SIM Card Package Initiative proved that even small acts can create ripples of change. It demonstrated the power of collaboration and connectivity to uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and reduce inequalities. It also highlighted the gaps that remain and the work still to be done.

To build on the success of the initiative, the following policy measures are urgently recommended:

  • Subsidised connectivity: Establish government programmes that support the provision of free or affordable internet access and devices to low-income households.

  • Integrated digital inclusion: Ensure digital inclusion is prioritised alongside housing, healthcare, employment, immigration and education.

  • Recognise internet as a right: Ensure the internet is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.

London Digital Inclusion Network

Is your charity or community organisation tackling digital inclusion in London? Join the London Digital Inclusion Network—together, we can make a connected and inclusive London a reality from the bottom up.

Community Tech Aid

Does your organisation need SIM cards or devices in Southwark or Lambeth? Visit Community Tech Aid.

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Find out more

Get in touch

If you have any questions about IFB Gaming, you can get in touch at [email protected].

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