Chippenham Library offers free SIM cards and mobile data, texts and calls to people in need

Chippenham Library is working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIM cards and mobile data, texts and calls to people in need.

The Good Things Foundation's National Databank aims to help thousands of vulnerable people in communities across the UK to get connected with data donated by Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.

As part of the scheme, Wiltshire Council is now offering free SIM cards and mobile data for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Up to six months of data can be gifted at a time with a maximum of 12 months to one individual.

To be able to access the National Databank, recipients must be aged 18 or over and from a low-income household. People must also meet one of the following criteria:

• No or poor access to the internet at home.
• No or poor access to the internet away from home.
• Cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top-up.

To benefit from the scheme, a recipient's device must either be unlocked or, if locked, be locked to O2, Vodafone or Three (locked devices will only work with the provider they were bought from).

All libraries in Wiltshire offer access to computers with broadband internet connection and printing facilities. One-to-one digital support appointments are also offered at all of Wiltshire Council's larger libraries, to help people to use their smart phone, tablet, laptop or the library computers.