A Congleton firm are taking part in a country-wide initiative to prevent Brits suffer from 'data poverty'.

You may have seen the O2 advert on TV about gifting mobile phone data so someone can stay in touch with loved ones this Christmas.

As the cost of food and energy go up, secondary spend on non-essentials like mobile phone data could go by the wayside.

But do not fret Congleton, as help is at hand!  

The National Databank has been created by Good Things Foundation, the UK's leading digital inclusion organisation. Its purpose is to provide free SIMs and mobile data (as well as talk minutes and texts) to people in need via Good Things Foundation's network of local community partners. Think of it like a 'food bank' but for internet connectivity data. 

Congleton's Springboard Cheshire Learning Partnership claims to be the only local community partner to The National Databank.

In a statement, the Mountbatten Way organisation said: "We have been supplied with many O2, Three and Vodafone SIM cards/data vouchers to give to those who need them. Each network has provided different amounts of data and minutes, so we will discuss these with anyone looking to claim to see which one would be right for them. 

 "This free data is available to those over 19 years of age, from lower-income households who have insufficient access to the internet or are struggling to afford their existing monthly contract/top up.  There is no evidence of income required to claim. 

"If anyone would like to receive free data, they can book an appointment at our Congleton Work Hub at Riverside, Congleton Congleton - Springboard or call 01260 290 682.

"More information can be found via this link National Databank - Good Things Foundation but if you'd like to arrange to pop into our Congleton based Learning Centre it would be great to see you and we can show what else we have going on – including our 20th Anniversary plans."

Hosting an event in Congleton? Advertise it for FREE on our What's On page.