Free smartphones offered to help North Somerset adults get online
North Somerset Council provides devices to those in low-income households
Residents of North Somerset who face difficulty accessing the internet can now apply for a free refurbished smartphone as part of a new initiative.
North Somerset libraries have received 45 donated Samsung Android smartphones from the digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation.
Opportunity North Somerset will distribute these phones to eligible residents via their free job skills support service.
To qualify for a smartphone, applicants must be 18 or older, live in a low-income household, and currently have little or no access to a suitable device or mobile data.
The initiative follows the success of a prior collaboration between North Somerset Council, Opportunity North Somerset, and Good Things Foundation through the National Device Bank, which provided 40 refurbished laptops to residents.
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning at North Somerset Council, highlighted the importance of internet connectivity for accessing job opportunities, services, learning, and staying connected with loved ones.
People who believe they meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply through the Skills Connect ‘Speak to an Advisor in North Somerset’ page. Those without internet access can visit their local library for assistance in completing their application.