Donate unwanted mobile devices to help people in Sheffield affected by the coronavirus crisis to stay in touch with loved ones

Phones For Patients was launched last month by national firm Bridgeway Security Solutions, to distribute donated mobile devices to hospitals and care homes across the country.

In Sheffield, one of the firm’s IT consultants, Scott Flower, has been working hard to collect devices, chargers and cables, clean them down, and deliver them to where they’re needed.

“One of the biggest parts of our business is mobile device management,” said Scott, of Crosspool.

“We had the expertise, so Bridgeway took to the decision to put a lot of our business on hold, and use its employees’ spare time to do something useful.”

The devices are now being used to help patients and care home residents remain in contact with their loved ones.

Scott said: “We have 12 staff across the country working on these devices in their homes, and then delivering them out.

“I’ve dropped devices at Cairn Home in Crosspool, and two at Bridgedale Housein Fulwood, and have outstanding requests for lots more.

“We’re offering everything free of charge, and making it our business to ensure as little effort as possible is needed by the organisations we’re delivering to.

“Everybody knows they have enough on their hands right now, so these devices are arriving all pre-configured to use.”

And the campaign is seeking donations of mobile devices, as well as cash that can be used to buy devices.

“This is about keeping people in communication with their loved ones in the outside world at a time when that is really needed,” said Scott.

“One place we delivered devices to sent us a note later that it had been heartbreaking to hear one of their residents say she didn’t think she’d live to see her family again, and now she’s able to see them anytime she wants.

“That’s what this is all about.”

Visit HERE to donate.