Students at the University of Sheffield are asking people to donate old mobile phones to help homeless youth in Sheffield.
Through setting up collection points in the Student Union, they aim to raise awareness and funds for the organisations which provide essential services to homeless youth in Sheffield, like Roundabout.
A member of the group, Tom Poulter said: “Homelessness is a crisis that affects us all, but it hits some communities harder than others, as a community, we need to take care of each other and support those who are most vulnerable.”
They are urging fellow students and the wider community to donate.
Another group member, Reece Heathcote: “By donating your old phones, chargers, and SIM cards, you can help us make a real difference in the lives of those who are most in need.
“We believe that everyone has a role to play in ending youth homelessness.”
They are particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact of homelessness on marginalised communities, including people of colour, LGBT+ individuals, and those with disabilities.
According to charity group Shelter, there are over 1,300 homeless people in South Yorkshire.
Studies have shown that people of colour and LGBT+ youth are at a much higher risk of experiencing homelessness than their non-marginalised peers.
This is due to a range of factors, including systemic barriers such as racism and discrimination, as well as poverty and lack of support systems.
They are calling on the community to raise awareness for the homeless youth, to come together and take action to address ways in which people can avoid getting stuck in the cycle.
There are nearly 15 million unused mobile phones in British households, according to Virgin Media’s figures in November 2022.
The phone are set to be in operation for the next few days, and are hoping to reach a significant audience to support homeless youth in Sheffield.