The York Databank
The Keeping Digital Foundation are delighted to be part of the National Databank, meaning for at least the next year, we can provide free mobile data, texts and calls to people in need, in partnership with Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.
The easiest way to think of the databank is like a 'food bank' but for internet connectivity data.
The people being supported by the UK National Databank are cut off from the basic daily activities most people in our country take for granted. They are cut off from contacting loved ones, from job interviews, from finding essential health or other information online, and cut off from digitised public services. We believe that no-one should be left behind. The UK National Databank brings free mobile internet data connectivity to people who can’t afford it and who are often also experiencing multiple inequalities in today’s society.
Am I eligible to recieve data through the programme?
Our volunteers at our Digital Cafes across the city of York are able to apply on behalf of a resident to benefit from the programme. 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
AND qualify in one or several of the following statements:
Has no access or insufficient access to the internet at home
Has no or insufficient access to the internet when away from home
Cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top up
A person can then recieve support from the databank for up to 12 months.
Where can I collect a free Databank SIM card?
It's never been easier. You can collect a free Databank SIM card by visiting your nearest Digital Cafe service and speaking to one of our volunteers, or by popping in to York's Virgin Money branch. All applications are discreet and confidential.
Pop in to a Digital Cafe
As well as free in-person digital support, all of our Digital Cafes across York offer the Databank service. Pop in and speak to one of our friendly volunteers to get signed up to the York Databank. With Digital Cafes popping up across the city, we've never been more local. The Databank scheme is discreet and confidential.
Appointments aren't needed for our Digital Cafes, however if you'd like to book a Databank appointment, drop us an email at support@keepingdigital.org.uk and we can ensure a volunteer is ready for you when you arrive!
Collect your SIM at York's Virgin Money branch
We've partnered with our friends at Virgin Money to make getting your free Databank SIM card even easier. If you can't make a Digital Cafe, you can now pop into the York City Centre (Coney Street) branch of Virgin Money and ask to speak to a staff member about the Databank. The Databank scheme is discreet and confidential, and you don't have to be a Virgin Money customer.
Opening Times:
Monday: 9:30am-4pm
Tuesday: 9:30am-4pm
Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday: 9:30am-4pm
Friday: 9:30am-4pm
Saturday: 9:30am-1pm
Sunday: Closed
Collect your SIM at our Monks Cross hub
Book an appointment at our hub on Monks Cross Drive and one of our volunteers will be able to support you at a desk and set you up with a Databank SIM card.
Our Monks Cross Drive hub is located next door to The Storage Team - just drive into the parking area for The Storage Team and you will find designated parking spots for Keeping Digital Foundation visitors.
If you'd like to book a Databank appointment at our Monks Cross hub, drop us an email at support@keepingdigital.org.uk and we can ensure a volunteer is ready for you when you arrive!
Get face-to-face support at a Digital Cafe
Our Digital Cafes are popping up across the city of York, providing a space for York residents to get dedicated support in getting online.
Hosted in a 2 hour session, residents can come down for a warm drink and to ask any questions (and bring along any devices).
Our volunteers are here to help you get online, from setting up a smart phone to signing up to the NHS app or York Council website.
In partnership with
