Savera UK will be using free connectivity, via Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative, to tackle digital exclusion among those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices. These practices are often perpetrated by family and community members meaning survivors and those at risk are often left isolated.

By being able to use free connectivity as part of the initiative, survivors and those at risk will be able to easily access support from Savera UK and other services. This free connectivity can also act as a lifeline for those whose risk continues to be ongoing, such as for those seeking to flee abusive environments. The initiative is set to benefit 50 people across Merseyside and Cheshire.

Afrah Qassim, Founder and CEO of Savera UK, said: “During the pandemic those in abusive environments were reliant on digital connectivity to access much-needed support systems such as Savera UK. This brought to the forefront of our minds the importance of providing those at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse and other harmful practices the ability to reach out for support digitally.

“We would like to thank Vodafone and those involved in the charities.connected initiative for providing free connectivity via SIM cards for our clients and helping us continue to provide vital support for those at risk.”

Emma Reynolds, Head of Communications, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs at Vodafone UK said: “We are committed to tackling digital exclusion.  We hope that by providing free connectivity to Savera UK 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 look forward to hearing how this connectivity has helped.”

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is part of its commitment to tackle digital exclusion and connect one million people by the end of 2022.

Vodafone’s charities.connected initiative is open to any registered charity that would benefit from free connectivity, either to improve its digital capability, extend its services or help the individuals and families it supports get online. Registered charities can apply for the free connectivity, in the form of SIM cards with 20GB data a month, plus free calls and texts, for six months here.