PRITC gets free internet to help Ukraine refugees

Pocklington Rugby In The Community (PRITC) will be using free internet connectivity to help Ukrainian refugees in East Yorkshire tackle digital exclusion, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative.

PRITC charity will help Ukrainians coming to East Yorkshire to access a UK based mobile which is vital for them to keep in touch socially, connect with work and access support.

A Ukrainian mobile may be also useful, but a UK based SIM is essential for these tasks; and the connectivity will initially benefit 50 people in East Yorkshire, requested via PRITC which is the area’s representative for the scheme.

Although Vodafone’s charities.connected is open to any registered charity that would benefit from free connectivity; PRITC believes it is the only charity specifically representing Ukrainian refugees in the region to extend services and support for individuals and families.

The free connectivity, in the form of SIM cards with 20GB of data a month, plus free calls and texts for six months, has already benefitted many refugees and can be requested by emailing: pocklingtonritc@gmail.com.

PRITC trustee Claire Rhodes said: “Ukrainian refugees face so many challenges in having to leave their home country, we want to make them as welcome as possible here in East Yorkshire.

“In doing so we’ve realised the huge benefits that digital technology and connectivity can bring to our Ukrainian guests. The free connectivity via Vodafone’s charities.connected will help us build on work already started in bringing Ukrainians in the area together to support each other.”

Emma Reynolds, head of communications, sustainability and regulatory affairs at Vodafone UK added: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion.

“We hope that by providing free connectivity to PRITC, and the other amazing charities across the UK who have such an enormous impact on their local communities, we can help create a more inclusive digital society. We urge any organisation who thinks they can benefit to apply online, and we look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

The charity is also providing support to those East Yorkshire host families and individuals who have so kindly opened their homes and provided safe accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.

If anyone would like to attend a PRITC East Yorkshire Ukrainian social event, request a Vodaphone free connectivity SIM, or would like to get involved in volunteering please contact: pocklingtonritc@gmail.com.

* article courtesy of Pock Post