Three has developed its Reconnected programme with new partnerships to support Ukrainian refugees displaced due to war, unemployment and social mobility.

Reconnected will allow customers to donate their old phones which Three, in partnership with Genuine Solutions, repackages with unlimited data, texts and calls for six months.

These devices will go to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK, and those seeking employment, disadvantaged students and other vulnerable groups facing digital exclusion can also benefit for this scheme.

The programme focuses on three parents who can help tackle key issues of society today: Good Things Foundation, Business in the Community, and LetsLocalise.

Three chief commercial officer Elaine Carey said: “So many of us take our phones and our connectivity for granted. We must remember that there are more than a million households in the UK that do not have this luxury. 

“Our Reconnected programme is all about ensuring disadvantaged people can get connected quickly and easily.” 

Genuine Solutions director Gurjit Dhillon added: “We’re encouraging people not only to donate their old ones when they upgrade, but to dig out smartphones hidden away in drawers and ensure they are either donated to one of our key charities – or refurbished or recycled. 

“This way we can ensure your phone either goes to someone in critical need of it, can be given a new lease of life, or be sustainably recycled.” 

Three has launched its Reconnected scheme where UK consumers can donate old phones to less advantaged members of the community.

These include those at risk of homelessness and looking for work, army leavers and victims of domestic abuse. Donated phones will come with three months access to the Three network with the following tariff: 12GB of data, 300 mins and 3000 texts.

The scheme is in partnership with housing association the Hyde Group and the Good Things Foundation, which helps people build digital skills.

Research carried out on 1,869 users in February this year by the network, found 57 per cent of Brits horde old smartphones at home. With 70 per cent claiming they’d use the device again.

Three responsbile business manager Celina Benedict said: “Three is on hand to help make sure that through the Reconnected scheme more phones are being recycled to help bring connectivity to people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. Handing over an unused phone is a small gesture that can make a huge difference”.