Mobile Phone Poverty
Kincardine and Mearns Citizens Advice Bureau is pleased to announce that through the Good Things Foundation, funded by Virgin Media O2 (VM02) and environmental charity Hubbub, we are able to offer refurbished Apple or Android phones to those in need.
We know that in this current climate, with more services moving online, and the general costs of phones and contracts increasing, it can be difficult to stay connected with vital services and family/friends. Therefore, we are so pleased and grateful to be able to provide this support to our clients that need it the most.
Eligibility:
Firstly, you must have had previous contact or current contact with our Bureau. This is to allow us to check and access information to check that an individual meets all eligibility criteria. We are unable to provide anyone with a phone without information about themselves and their circumstances.
You must be over 18 years old
You must come from a low-income household
You must not have previously received a mobile phone from us or through the Mobile Phone Poverty Scheme
The Phones:
As stated above we have both refurbished Apple and Android phones.
Each phone includes a one-year free pay as you go SIM with 25GB of data, unlimited calls and texts, that is owned by the individual that it is provided to.
After 12 months, the individual will be signposted to affordable social tariffs, to continue using their SIM.
Accessing the Scheme:
The phones are distributed through our Digital Support, Drop-in and Go service. Every Thursday, 12pm to 4pm.
It might be that you are assessed for eligibility through this service directly, or it may have been through having contact with our Triage Team, Generalist Advisers or Specialist Advisers, here in the Bureau.
If you are an external service provider and feel you have a patient or client that may fit the criteria, you are more than welcome to refer them into our service. Please sent an email to bureau@kamcab.org.uk for a copy of our referral form. However, please be aware and make your patient or client aware that they will have to be assessed by Bureau before possibly being provided with a phone and that they may be found to not be eligible.