It appears that, with successive governments, the wealth gap is destined to become even greater unless there is a significant shift in thinking. To me, this means that more people than ever lack a safety net. What about the massively growing welfare bill, you may ask. My view is that it is growing because of government choices. It is a result of people not having an in-built safety net. It means people are left to sink when things go wrong. As one of the biggest complainers, I wanted to do something that helped. This is one of the reasons I have become involved in a charity that focuses on assisting people to overcome digital poverty.
Experiencing digital poverty
I had never really considered the plight of being unable to access the internet or have a phone. The only real experience I had was when a close friend suddenly left her marriage. In the leaving scenario, her ex-partner trashed her cell phone. She left her home with no assets and was completely stuck. She landed on my doorstep, an emotional wreck. One of the first ways I supported her was to march her down to the mobile phone shop and get her a new phone. It was clear to both of us that without a phone, she was entirely at a loss. Still, I thought it was a one-off until I talked to a good friend of mine, Chris Lewis.
Recognising digital poverty
Chris’s story is a miracle. I first met Chris when he was undergoing cancer treatment. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma in 2007, and even then, it was a phenomenal story of courage and survival, and even more so now. Chris fought back and became involved in the world of cancer, blogging and speaking at many events, giving hope to many. Chris himself experienced the turbulence that comes with a cancer diagnosis and was acutely aware of the financial hardship that often resulted, as people lost their livelihoods and had to fund a completely different life. This was the initial reason he started his charity, SimPal, back in 2016. Since then, he has delved deeply into the world of digital poverty, and the charity services have expanded to support those experiencing poverty in various situations.
The reality of digital poverty
I hear many soundbites exclaiming outrage that people who are claiming benefits have smartphones and computers. It is such an outdated complaint. People experiencing poverty cannot survive without being connected. It’s not a luxury; it’s a vital lifeline. Yet thousands of people in the UK face digital poverty. They cannot access the most basic tools to connect to the internet. When people have no connection, they have no chance of support or the ability to live and even rebuild their lives.
How people end up without a phone: real-life examples
If you want to read some feedback about the reality of digital poverty, visit the SimPal feedback page to get an idea of how digital poverty can affect real people. Digital poverty can affect anyone. A mobile phone may seem ordinary – until it’s gone. What follows are just some of the fundamental reasons people are left without one, there are many more:
1. Leaving a partner
I have already recounted the experience of my friend who, on leaving her marriage, found herself without a phone. She was relatively lucky in this instance as I was able to go and fund a mobile phone for her immediately. Many people may not be as fortunate as having a friend or relative who can do it. People are often leaving a marriage because it is abusive, and this means they have no option but to leave everything behind.
2. Life-threatening illness or disability
While Chris was in a non-threatening financial position when he experienced his cancer diagnosis, his connection with thousands of people who were in a similar situation made him realise the acute financial issues many people experienced. Losing your livelihood can be devastating and debilitating both emotionally and financially.
3. Losing a wage earner
If a family’s primary financial provider becomes unemployed, the financial issues can become apparent immediately. The FCA has found that one in four people in the UK have low financial resilience. Meaning they are living from pay-check to pay-check. In this context, paying for a contract, topping up data or replacing a broken phone can become impossible.
4. Being an asylum seeker or refugee
Contrary to popular belief, people who are fleeing war or persecution live in extreme poverty when they reach the UK. A friend of mine, who works in social services, has seen this firsthand when these people are housed in the worst properties. I realise there are strong political views, but those genuinely in fear for their lives have to rebuild those lives when they are granted asylum. Being connected to the internet is a fundamental necessity.
5. Becoming homeless
Gone are the days when people had home security. People can lose their homes with little or no warning. As fewer and fewer social homes are available, rent prices soar, and people have nowhere to live. Not only do these have substantial financial implications in general, but they also result in an inability to access the internet.
6. Waiting for or losing benefits or sanctions
In a world where benefits can be withdrawn for many reasons, then even a short pause can cause extreme financial hardship. This could result in not having access to a phone or being able to keep in touch at a time when it’s vital to do so. Some people have to wait for benefits to be granted, for example, young people leaving care or someone who has recently lost their income.
Lives cannot function without connection
A connection to the internet is not just nice to have. It is essential to be able to live your life. It’s a fundamental passport to human rights. When people have no connection, they have no chance to:
- Apply for jobs or benefits – almost all applications are online. Without access, people can’t even begin to rebuild.
- Access healthcare – GP appointments, mental health support, prescriptions – most now rely on apps or phone calls.
- Get emergency help – from calling 999 to checking in with support workers, a phone can be life-saving.
- Stay in touch with family and friends – connection is not just practical – it’s emotional survival.
- Engage with education or training – from online classes to email assignments, students of all ages need reliable devices.
- Navigate public transport or services – travel apps, digital tickets, and maps all require smartphones to access modern life.
One simple act can change a life
The reason I am writing this article is to raise awareness of the very basic plight many people find themselves in. One of the actions I have taken is to support Chris on his SimPal mission. If you feel moved or inspired, you might want to consider donating – a couple of pounds is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in sponsoring Chris, please contact him directly. Because in this digital world, no connection means no chance – but your kindness can change that.
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