Homeless families across Leicester are set to benefit from improved access to vital services, thanks to a donation of SIM cards that will help them stay digitally connected to healthcare professionals, emergency services, and support networks.

Raising Health, the registered charity of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), has been selected for Vodafone’s Digital Inclusion Programme to help expand digital access for homeless families.

Through the Charities Connected initiative, LPT’s Homeless Mental Health Service (HMHS) has received 40 SIM card contracts, each providing 40GB of data, unlimited calls and unlimited texts.

The HMHS delivers invaluable support to individuals and families in Leicester experiencing homelessness. The team offers health assessments, mental health treatment and signposting to other local charities and services.

The SIM cards will be distributed to those most in need, helping them stay digitally connected to healthcare professionals, support networks, and community resources.

This initiative will have a significant impact by helping patients to:

  • Access vital support services: Maintaining open communication with the Homeless Mental Health Service is essential to the care our team provides. The SIM card also enables patients to stay in contact with other local homeless charities and services to receive information on temporary or emergency accommodation, food bank services and welfare benefits.
  • Stay safe: Having access to a SIM card ensures individuals can reach emergency services when needed. A critical lifeline for vulnerable homeless communities who may face crisis situations more frequently.
  • Maintain a support network: Digital connectivity allows service users to stay in touch with family and friends, increasing the opportunities for practical and emotional support.

Clinical psychologist Suzanne Elliott, who works with the HMHS, said: “We’re so incredibly grateful to Vodafone for this donation. Digital access is often something many of us take for granted, but we know just how life-changing this will be for our service users.

“Maintaining engagement with homeless families is often the biggest challenge our service faces, but with these SIM cards we will have a better chance of staying connected and providing our vital mental health support services.”