Digital exclusion tackled with free Sim cards

Ellen Clayton and Thomas Hollyer, of Suffolk Libraries, with some of the Sim cards available through the scheme

Libraries across Suffolk are to tackle "digital exclusion" by offering free Sim cards to people unable to afford mobile phone contracts.

Suffolk Libraries has been awarded funding from the county's Digital Inclusion Fund to provide the cards, which come with preloaded data, calls and texts.

It is hoped up to 500 people can be helped with the cards providing a "vital lifeline" for people facing financial difficulties, allowing them to access online services such as applying for work and contacting friends and family.

"It feels incredible to feel connected again," said one person already benefiting from the scheme.

The Good Things Foundation, a charity, is providing the Sims, and the Suffolk funding covers the cost of managing the scheme.

The Digital Inclusion Fund is run by Suffolk County Council in partnership with Suffolk Community Foundation.

Thomas Hollyer, the library service's digital inclusion lead, said: "With the current cost-of-living crisis, the free data provided by these Sim cards will provide a vital lifeline to those facing financial difficulty to be able to search and apply for work, access online services and stay in touch with their support networks without having to worry about how they can keep on top of their phone bill."

Philip Faircloth-Mutton, the council’s cabinet member for environment, communities and equality, said the scheme was "empowering individuals to stay connected, access essential services and improve their opportunities".

He added: "This scheme represents a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone in Suffolk has the digital tools they need to thrive."

People can ask library staff about the eligibility criteria for the Sim cards.