- Forgotten memories are trapped in UK drawers and attics with 123 million unused devices gathering dust in drawers according to Virgin Media O2’s new research
- Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub mark the fifth anniversary of Community Calling by urging Brits to donate their old devices to those who need them most
- They are giving away a voucher code for a free CEWE PHOTOBOOK to the first 500 Brits to donate a working, eligible device to Community Calling
Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity, Hubbub, are urging Brits to back up and donate old phones as new research reveals 46% are holding onto devices due to sentimentality, with nearly 27.7 billion memories stuck in drawers across the country.
An estimated 123 million unused devices* are gathering dust in drawers across the UK – largely because of the memories they hold, with almost half of Brits (46%) feeling emotionally attached to them. These forgotten devices collectively store around 11 billion photos, 8.7 billion messages, and nearly 8 billion videos** – moments too valuable to lose, yet too often left inaccessible.
Memory maker
To help Brits relive their old memories and enable those facing digital exclusion to make new ones, Virgin Media O2 is giving away a voucher code for a free CEWE PHOTOBOOK to the first 500 people to donate a working, eligible device to Community Calling – an initiative set up with Hubbub to tackle digital exclusion.
It’s simple to back-up devices so treasured photos, videos and messages can be accessed in the Cloud or transferred to a new phone.
To help Brits save their precious photos so they can be turned into a photobook, Hubbub has created a simple step-by-step guide to wiping and backing up old devices safely, making it easier than ever for people to preserve important memories before donating their tech.
It coincides with the fifth anniversary of the scheme, which rehomes phones with people who need them, so they can get online to access essential websites and stay in touch with loved ones.
Podcaster, Kelsey Parker comments, “I’m so proud to support Community Calling with Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub. Having experienced the heartbreak of losing somebody, I know how much comfort photos can bring. It’s often hard to part with an old phone because of the memories it holds — I’ve been there. But this campaign shows you don’t have to lose those memories to make a difference. By backing up your photos and creating something lasting like a photobook, you can pass on your phone and help someone else stay connected when they need it most.”
Back-up challenges block tech donations
Going through old devices brings unexpected emotion for 54% of Brits, triggering memories hidden in photos, videos and messages.
Yet many never get the chance to revisit them as 41% of those holding on to devices because of sentimental content have not backed up the content anywhere else, and one-in-four of those who have content stored in general admit they’re unconfident about backing it up. Almost half (46%) of people who have old or unused devices wish they knew how to protect old photos and videos, while 44% have never tried.
Despite these back-up challenges, many people want their old tech to be used by someone who needs it. Over half (54%) of Brits would donate their old devices to charity if they knew it would go to someone in need. Nearly two-thirds (64%) like the idea of their tech getting a second life, and almost half (49%) would feel proud knowing it could help someone stay connected.
But post-pandemic, charitable giving has declined – with just over one in 10 Brits saying they’re less active in supporting causes, and 32% admitting they feel less connected to community needs. Just over one-in-three Brits (34%) feel guilty for not doing more.
Community Calling: A lifeline for those disconnected
Community Calling was established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide smartphones to help people who couldn’t afford devices or connectivity get online.
Devices are securely data wiped by Relove Technology and provided to people who need them.
Since 2020, the initiative has donated more than 24,000 devices to those who need them across the country, including victims of domestic abuse, refugees, and disadvantaged communities. Partners include Women’s Aid, Crisis, Salford City Council and Supporting Children with Diabetes.
With 2.8 million people in the UK without access to the internet, the devices are helping people in need to access essential online services, such as booking medical appointments, accessing training or applying for work, build their digital skills, and stay in touch with loved ones.
Preserving the memories that matter
With over 2-in-5 Brits (44%) with old devices believing their memories belong in albums, and 47% missing looking through physical photobooks, Virgin Media O2 is giving 500 free voucher codes for photobooks from CEWE* to encourage Brits to donate their device via Community Calling to those who need them.
The CEWE PHOTOBOOK, made from 100% recycled FST certified paper and awarded a Which? Best Buy, is available to the first 500 people who donate an eligible, working device to Community Calling here. Each photobook is worth £37.99 and comes with 26 pages for people to fill with their favourite moments. For a list of eligible devices, please see our sign-up form here.
“Since losing both Tom and my gorgeous baby boy Phoenix, photos have become even more precious to me — they’re memories I hold onto so tightly. I completely understand why people might struggle to part with an old phone because of the pictures on it. That’s why I think the Community Calling campaign is so special. Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub are making it easier for people to safely save those memories, while giving their unused phones a second life with someone who truly needs it. It’s a beautiful way of letting go and giving back”, continued Kelsey.
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer, Virgin Media O2, said:
“Old devices often hold our most treasured memories, yet they’re left forgotten in drawers. We want to help people unlock those moments, preserve them properly, and then give their tech a second life. This partnership between Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub is about making it easy to do both, turning digital clutter into something meaningful, and helping someone else in the process.”
Alex Robinson, CEO, Hubbub, said:
“We’re still seeing people across the UK struggling with device access, even years after the height of the pandemic. Charities continue to approach us on an almost weekly basis in urgent need of devices to support the people they work with. Covid may have shone a spotlight on the issue, but it hasn’t gone away. While we’re pleased to have donated over 24,000 devices, there’s more work to be done. That’s why we’re encouraging anyone with an old device at home to donate and make a real difference.”
Beverley Benson, 51, Recipient of a Community Calling Device, said:
“Personal health issues left me isolated for years, and without a mobile phone I avoided going out in case I needed support and had no way to call someone. Being in hospital and unable to contact my two young daughters was especially hard. Since finding out about the Community Calling programme, I feel reconnected with the world. I can book my own taxis to appointments, use loyalty apps to save money, and support myself again. This newfound independence is life-changing, and I’m so grateful for how quick and easy the process was. I’m a big believer in paying it forward so encourage anyone who can to donate their old devices – I’m proof they can make a real difference to someone’s life.”
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