The National Databank is now available at Wiltshire Council libraries - providing free SIM cards and mobile data

The Good Things Foundation's National Databank aims to help thousands of vulnerable people in communities across the UK to get connected with data donated by Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three.

As part of the scheme, Wiltshire Council is now offering free SIM cards and mobile data from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries, for those who meet the eligibility criteria. Up to six months of data can be gifted at a time with a maximum of 12 months to one individual.

To be able to access the National Databank, recipients must be aged 18 or over and from a low-income household. People must also meet one of the following criteria:

• no or poor access to the internet at home.
• no or poor access to the internet away from home.
• cannot afford their existing monthly contract or top-up.

To benefit from the scheme, a recipient's device must either be unlocked or, if locked, be locked to O2, Vodafone or Three (locked devices will only work with the provider they were bought from).

Anyone who meets the criteria should contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment, or complete the online application form: National Databank.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: We are very pleased to be providing access to the National Databank for Wiltshire's communities via our libraries. Part of our business plan sets out to ensure we have vibrant well-connected communities, and ensuring no-one is cut off is a crucial part of this, particularly with the current cost-of-living pressures.

Whether it is access in order to stay in touch with loved ones, applying for jobs or perhaps finding information about essential public and health services online, we hope this scheme can help our communities to stay connected.

All libraries in Wiltshire offer access to computers with broadband internet connection and printing facilities. One-to-one digital support appointments are also offered at all of Wiltshire Council's larger libraries, to help people to use their smart phone, tablet, laptop or the library computers. Further information about this support can be found at: Accessing computers.

For more information and to apply for the National Databank scheme in Wiltshire, people can visit: National Databank.

Wiltshire libraries contact details can be found at: Library opening times and mobile library routes (opens new window).

More information on the National Databank Scheme can be found on the Good Things Foundation website: Good Things Foundation: National Databank (opens new window).