Greggs and Virgin Media O2 to provide free mobile data to families in need

• Eligible families in the North East will receive free O2 SIM cards and mobile data vouchers
• New “food bank for data” founded to help more than 255,000 people get connected by the end of 2023

Tuesday 31 May: Greggs has joined forces with connectivity provider Virgin Media O2 to provide free mobile data to families in need across the North East.

Operating through the Greggs Hardship Fund, the new scheme will see the provision of free O2 SIM cards and voucher codes to families who need them, distributed via schools across the UK.

Recipients will receive 15GB of mobile data each – which is more than three times the amount used in a month by the average mobile phone user in the UK, according to Ofcom[1].

The fund offer families across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham, and Teesside a helping hand – from supermarket and clothing vouchers to beds, and other white good household items.

Nicola Green from Virgin Media O2, said:

“We’re proud to see the National Databank go from strength to strength, providing free mobile data to people who need it. We’re delighted to welcome the Greggs Foundation, so we can support more families across the UK and help connect the disconnected.

“Our support of the National Databank forms part of our new Better Connections Plan, where we’re using our purpose, people, and products to power a better, more connected, and greener future for our customers and communities nationwide.” 

Tracy Lynch, Greggs Foundation Manager, said: 

“At Greggs we understand many people struggle to make ends meet and when unexpected costs arise, many can suddenly find themselves in very difficult circumstances. With the Hardship Fund, we are able to offer a helping hand to people who need it most. By joining the National Databank we are now able to provide further essential support to those facing hardship.”

The Greggs Hardship Fund offers families a helping hand through the provision of supermarket and clothing vouchers, beds, white goods and other household items.

Virgin Media O2’s support of the National Databank forms part of its new sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan – which has bold and ambitious commitments to use its purpose, people, and products to power a better, more connected, and greener future for its customers and communities nationwide.

If you are a community organisation or charity and are interested in finding out more about the
National Databank, visit www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank.

[1] Ofcom Communications Market Report 2021 – 4.5GB data used per month on average