FutureDotNow has launched an initiative to support the most vulnerable online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FutureDotNow are coordinating industry action through a new initiative, DevicesDotNow, targeting the 1.7 million households who don’t have access to the internet and are digitally excluded as we face a socially distanced world gripped by COVID-19.
Supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the DevicesDotNow campaign is asking businesses to donate tablets, smartphones and laptops, as well as connectivity in the form of sims, dongles and mobile hotspots.
As the government works to address the challenges of COVID-19, many elderly and vulnerable people may find themselves isolated in their homes with limited means of communicating with the outside world, or getting access to vital services such as health, food or banking.
Frontline community organisations are in desperate need of digital devices to be able to mobilise into the community. With your help, we can power them up so they can support households facing self-isolation – alleviating the strain on the NHS, while ensuring that vulnerable people aren’t cut off from their loved ones and the outside world.
There are number of ways to get involved and support the #DevicesDotNow campaign:
- Donate devices – tablets or smartphones are a first choice, but laptops are also required.
- Donate SIM cards, portable hotspots, dongles or other connectivity.
- Make a financial donation – £10,000 would fund the purchase of tablets and smartphones for around 100 vulnerable individuals and families.
- Spread the word – Share the #DevicesDotNow mission with a least five business leaders in your network who could be in a position to help.
