We are partnering with the Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three, to roll out the National Databank programme to Digital Cafes across York which are helping residents most at need. 

 

According to a study commissioned by Virgin Media O2, the cost of living crisis is stopping 10% of people with household incomes of up to £25,000 from calling or texting their loved ones, or limiting how they use their mobile data. And a further 70% of this group said they don't know what they would do if they couldn't access the internet. 

 

The National Databank offers people struggling to stay connected free mobile data top-ups to help ensure they can access online services and keep in touch with family and friends. 

 

Aiming to reach residents most at need during the cost of living crisis, the scheme will be rolled out at: 

 

People from across York can travel to any of these Digital Cafe services to talk to a volunteer and receive digital inclusion support. Our volunteers will then be able to help eligible residents apply to the Databank. 

 

The programme allows those eligible to recieve a free data top-up. In order to make sure the programme supports those most at need, someone receiving data through the Databank must be 18+ years old and be from a low-income household. They must also either have no or insufficient access to the internet at home, or when away from home, or be unable to afford their existing monthly contract or top up. 

 

Residents are then able to recieve support from the databank for up to 12 months, whilst also receiving monthly digital inclusion support from the Keeping Digital Foundation, both via email and at our Digital Cafe services. 

 

Residents who are eligible for the programme can visit a Digital Cafe service to talk to a volunteer and apply for the scheme. Full information on eligibility and how to get support is available on the Databank page.