Community Calling: 200 Smartphones, 50 Organisations, Countless Connections
Older resident using her new smartphone
Access to a smartphone is no longer a luxury. It is an essential tool for using essential services, staying connected with loved ones, finding work, managing finances and participating fully in modern life.
That is why Manchester City Council's Digital Inclusion team was excited to take part in the Community Calling programme. Created by Hubbub and Virgin Media O2, Community Calling rehomes unwanted, refurbished smartphones to people who need them most, alongside up to 12 months of free mobile data, calls and texts through the Good Things Foundation’s National Databank.
Over the last 10 months, the Digital Inclusion team received 200 refurbished smartphones through the programme to support digitally excluded residents across the city. We invited organisations within our community networks to apply for these smartphones to distribute to the residents they support. Demand was exceptionally high, with more than 100 organisations submitting applications to the team. Across two distribution phases between December 2025 and June 2026, the 200 smartphones were distributed to 50 organisations working directly with Manchester residents.
The applications highlighted what many community organisations already know, a lack of access to suitable devices remains a significant barrier for people of all ages and backgrounds. After receiving feedback from the organisations involved, we’ve seen the true impact having a device can have on individuals and communities alike.
Manchester residents who received smartphones from their local organisations
Opening doors to opportunity
As more services move online, being without a smartphone can create barriers to education, housing, healthcare, employment and social connection. For many residents, receiving a device was transformational.
One resident supported by Across Ummah shared:
"The mobile phone has been a game-changer for me. I can now support my children with their home work, as well as stay in touch with my support network and access important resources on the go".
Organisations reported residents using their smartphones to access Universal Credit journals, Manchester Move, translation services, employment opportunities and online learning. Others were able to attend appointments, communicate with support workers and stay informed independently.
Community Church of the Nazarene Longsight also highlighted the less visible but equally important impact, the renewed sense of dignity, agency and independence that comes from managing your own affairs without needing to borrow someone else's smartphone.
Supporting the organisations behind the community
The impact was not limited to individuals. Many organisations used the devices to strengthen their services, improve communication and increase their reach.
A volunteer from Community Thriving Together explained how their smartphone has become an important tool in daily community work:
"I am now using the smartphone to take photographs during our community activities, help manage our WhatsApp groups, communicate with participants, and support the delivery of our projects and events".
In this case and many others, by providing one volunteer in an organisation with a device, this helps to strengthen the delivery of activities and services for many more local residents in their networks.
For Malawi Heritage and Solidarity & Support Organisation, the smartphones provided something simple but significant, a dedicated organisational phone number that could be used publicly, rather than relying on personal devices. Having this dedicated contact number has “increased trust and strengthened our professionalism”, further solidifying the impact and reach of these organisations in the community.
ZIMANO also reported improvements in the way trustees work together:
"The provision of smartphones has significantly improved how we communicate and coordinate as trustees. It has enabled us to stay connected with our community and manage activities more effectively".
As a result, engagement with members became more consistent and responsive, helping the organisation continue supporting its community more effectively.
300x Ignition receiving their smartphones
Creativity, community and conservation
The smartphones also enabled organisations to explore creative and innovative ways of engaging residents.
Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH) used devices as part of creative engagement projects, including The Station Sanctuary, delivered in partnership with the National Trust, Sow the City and Network Rail. Through the project, women learned photography and editing skills while documenting their involvement in co-designing a garden space near Manchester Piccadilly.
At Caritas Shrewsbury, residents downloaded the Butterfly UK app to identify and record local wildlife. The project led to walks in local parks with members of the MENd Mind Group, who identified 11 different butterfly species across green spaces including Wythenshawe Park.
One participant reflected on the experience:
"I don’t know if I’ve been walking round with my eyes closed as I didn’t see any butterflies since we started do this!! Now I can’t stop seeing them!! The app is so helpful and is a good way to do something practical for conservation also".
What began as a digital skills activity evolved into something much broader, encouraging wellbeing, sparking conversations and strengthening people's connection to their local community and environment.
Building digital confidence
For many residents, the smartphones offered more than connectivity. They provided an opportunity to build confidence and develop essential digital skills.
The Sudanese Community Association of Greater Manchester used the devices in workshops supporting residents through the transition to eVisas.
They explained:
"We provided access to shared smartphones along with practical, hands-on support. Community members used these devices to complete online forms, take photos for identity verification, and successfully submit their eVisa applications. As a result, we have seen a clear improvement in their digital skills, confidence, and ability to manage important tasks independently."
These practical experiences helped participants gain the confidence to complete important digital tasks independently, reducing reliance on others and increasing their ability to engage with essential services.
Images captured by MASH residents during The Station Sanctuary project
Staying connected to what matters most
Among all the stories shared through the programme, one theme came through again and again, human connection.
For some residents, the ability to stay in touch with family members was the most meaningful outcome of receiving a smartphone.
One woman supported by Greater Manchester Ethiopian Community Association said:
"Being able to call my children in Ethiopia means everything to me. It has given me hope and peace of mind while I wait for them to join me."
Sometimes the impact of digital inclusion is measured not in data provision or devices, but in the reassurance of a phone call, a familiar voice or the ability to stay connected to the people who matter most.
Looking ahead
The stories shared by organisations demonstrate that access to a device can be the first step towards greater independence, confidence and opportunity.
Whether helping someone access housing, attend an appointment, communicate with family, support their children's education, learn new skills or contribute to their community, these refurbished smartphones have created meaningful change across Manchester.
By distributing 200 smartphones to 50 organisations, via the Community Calling programme, the Digital Inclusion team has helped to reduce barriers to becoming digitally enabled across the city. Most importantly, it has enabled residents to build the confidence, agency and connections needed to participate fully in today's increasingly digital world.
To find out more about the project, and how our team works across Manchester, get in touch at digitalinclusion@manchester.gov.uk.
Find out more about the Community Calling Programme by Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 here.