For Everyone

Digital inequality is a problem that needs a solution. There are two million households in Britain with no online access, and 2.4 million households without the means to pay for a mobile phone contract. Unrestricted access to digital technology opens the door to opportunities for people of all ages, in all walks of life. When access is limited, though, it can lead to lost employment opportunities, inability to access essential education and healthcare services, and a sense of being excluded from the day to day business of citizenship. That’s the polar opposite of what Unity in Diversity wants for our service users, and for everyone. We fight against those restrictions and exclusions every day, and for the past two years, we’ve been fighting side by side with an invaluable ally.

The National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. Five years ago, in July 2021, they launched a nationwide initiative in partnership with Virgin Media O2 to tackle data poverty and the isolation it causes.

In 2024, UiD registered with the National Databank as a charity partner, and since then we’ve provided free SIM cards to service users throughout Swansea. Our first application to the National Databank gave us 40 Vodafone SIM cards and 40 O2 SIM cards. The SIM cards provided free mobile data support for up to 12 months. From that starting point, we’ve helped a steady number of service users gain reliable access to mobile data and communication services. Project Manager Saba Humayan is delighted with the impact of the initiative, and grateful to the National Databank for their ongoing support:

“Over the past two years, we’ve delivered continuous support for families and individuals, improving digital access for vulnerable community members and helping service users integrate socially and economically. People use these data resources to apply for jobs, they use them to further their education, they use them to communicate with friends and neighbours and become leaders in their communities. Thanks to the National Databank, we are promoting inclusion and social cohesion in the most practical, impactful way possible.”

Digital access should be for everyone. With the support of the National Databank, Unity in Diversity is fighting for it.

If you’d like to know more, or if you know someone who needs the support we’re delivering, contact us at unityswansea@gmail.com or call in to one of