At CODEF, our vision has always been about helping people move from a place of crisis to a place where they can truly flourish. Through our Digital Café at Elms Community Centre, we see firsthand how access to technology and digital tools can transform lives.
However, for many families and individuals across Bury facing financial hardship, staying connected to the online world is a daily challenge.
That is why we are thrilled to announce our participation in the National Databank project – a vital initiative helping us tackle local data poverty by providing free mobile internet connectivity to those who need it most.
What is the National Databank?
Set up by Good Things Foundation, the National Databank works much like a food bank, but for mobile data. Through generous donations from telecommunications partners Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone Three, the initiative provides free SIM cards and data packages to people who cannot afford internet connectivity.
Data poverty creates a huge, unseen barrier in daily life. Without reliable internet access, people on low incomes are often cut off from essential everyday opportunities – from applying for jobs and accessing vital government portals to supporting children with online learning.
By providing free mobile data, we are helping remove these barriers so that everyone in our community has the tools they need to build a brighter future.
Available Data Packages
Through this project, eligible residents can access free SIM cards with one of two data options:
- Virgin Media O2: A 25GB monthly data package. Renewal vouchers can be provided monthly for up to 12 months.
- Vodafone Three: A 40GB monthly data package, including unlimited free calls and texts, which automatically refreshes every month for up to 6 months.
Note: You do not need to change your phone number to use this service – you can easily keep your existing mobile number through a simple transfer process.
Who is Eligible?
To receive a free SIM card and data package, you must be 18 years or older, live in a low-income household, and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have no internet access or insufficient internet access at home.
- Have no internet access or insufficient internet access when away from home.
- Be unable to afford your current monthly mobile phone contract or top-up.
How to Access Support
We believe that support should be easy to reach. We are collaborating with local community organisations, faith groups, and food banks across Whitefield and Bury to take referrals.
However, you do not need an official referral to get help. If you need support, you are very welcome to self-refer and reach out to us directly.
- In-Person Collection: If you hold a referral voucher or wish to self-refer, please visit us at our weekly Community Hub at Elms Community Centre, Green Lane, Whitefield, M45 7FD. Every Saturday, between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
Our friendly team will be on hand to help you complete a quick registration and collect your SIM card.
- For Community Organisations: If you represent a local church, food bank, or community group and would like to receive a bundle of referral vouchers, please get in touch with us at contact@codef.org.uk.
Together, let’s ensure no one in our community is left behind in the digital age. If you or someone you know could benefit from free mobile data, come along and see us this Saturday!
