Smart phones

"Whilst tablets and laptops may be suitable for some women at the appropriate stage in their journey, phones have been found to be a necessity in many cases, ensuring women have access to their mentor as well as wider support systems and critical services. Having access to a mobile phone and connectivity helps to overcome barriers to inclusion and can play a vital role in reducing risk of harm or reoffending."

Smartphones are mobile phones which can connect to the internet. They are pocket-sized and use touchscreen. Smartphones are useful if you want to be able to connect to the internet when you’re out and about as they use sim cards for connecting to the internet. If you have Wi-Fi at home they can also connect to this. Screens are quite small on smartphones so they aren’t the best option for some tasks such as watching TV shows, education activities or searching for employment.

Benefits

• Portable: people can easily carry them around with them.

• Cost-effective: they can be purchased for under £100 which can make it easier to replace them if they're lost or stolen, which can happen.

• Familiarity: most people know how a smartphone works, especially Android models. This can make it easier to get someone up and running quickly.

• Hot-spot: other devices can connect via a hot spot.

• Sim connectivity: no need for an additional device for connectivity e.g. mi-fi device.

Limitations

• Storage space: onboard storage can be limited but the addition of a micro SD card can be a welcome addition.

• Screen size: compared to a laptop or tablet, a smartphone screen is smaller and less appealing for some tasks such as streaming content or applying for jobs.

Considerations

• A model with a larger screen size.

• Operating system: Android.

• Buying a screen protector or case to minimise the risk of damage.

• Can be used as a hot-spot for other devices.

Target group

• People who are not in settled accommodation and likely to be moving frequently.

• People who aren't currently undertaking education or job-seeking activity.

"We initially only planned to give out tablets, but found that these had too high a financial value to be of higher benefit than risk to guests actively using street drugs. We therefore bought lower value smartphones and found these to be very well received."