Welcome to Our August Newsletter
Hello and Welcome! 
We’re thrilled to bring you the very first edition of SimPal’s Monthly Newsletter. SimPal is a small but dynamic charity where no two days are ever the same, and that’s precisely what we hope to reflect here. This monthly update will give you a peek into what’s happening on the frontline, how your support is changing lives, and what’s coming next.
From the Frontline
The Numbers
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- 400 phones
- 600 SIMs
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Every number is a person. Every device is a lifeline.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Helping the Homeless
One of our partner social workers recently helped a man in a dangerously isolated situation. He had no phone, no way to reach out, completely cut off. After receiving a phone and SIM from SimPal, things began to change. He found housing, reconnected with family, and is now exploring volunteering and work. Sometimes, connection is the first step toward transformation.
George’s Journey
George’s world fell apart after a family breakdown. He ended up sleeping rough, arrested, and feeling hopeless. Now in a hostel with professional support, he’s working on his mental health and rebuilding his life. But it was a lack of a phone that threatened his progress, no contact with friends, probation, or benefits. Thanks to SimPal, George is now reconnected and moving forward.
A Lifeline with Oxygen
One of our beneficiaries, once active and healthy, now struggles to breathe and move without assistance. For them, a phone isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It allows them to order food, contact the GP, and feel a little less alone. In their words:
“I can’t thank you and your charity enough. What an amazing charity you have created. I am so grateful.”
Supporter Spotlight
Thank you to Insurancewith
We’re deeply grateful to Insurancewith for their generous donation. Their work supports people living with pre-existing medical conditions by offering specialist travel insurance. Founded by cancer survivor Fiona Macrae, the company is built on empathy and inclusion, values that align perfectly with ours.
Partnering with 1823 Group
We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with 1823 Group. They are specialists in refurbished mobile devices and sustainable tech solutions. Their support means we can deliver even more pre-loved phones to those in digital poverty.
Partner Pulse
Referrers
We’re grateful to the many organisations that refer individuals to us every day. This month, we’ve had increased referrals from New Walk CIC and Change Grow Live (CGL). Unsurprisingly, the NHS remains our largest referrer, underlining how critical digital access is for patients and services alike.
In the News:
Media Literacy Gaps Undermine Social Cohesion – SimPal’s Work Offers Part of the Solution
A new House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee report warns that the UK is “falling behind” in media literacy, posing serious risks to both democracy and social cohesion. It calls for urgent reforms, including embedding media literacy in the national curriculum, boosting adult awareness, and holding tech companies accountable for supporting education. Read the full report here.
SimPal’s work aligns closely with these recommendations. While national strategy remains fragmented, SimPal helps bridge the gap by connecting digitally excluded individuals to devices and data, providing not just tools for communication, but vital access to trusted information and services. Connection is the first step to literacy, and literacy is the foundation of inclusion.
Inside SimPal
Behind the Scenes
While Chris continues to drive our vision forward, we’re also growing stronger thanks to the efforts of our brilliant team. The team are volunteers and have busy lives. We are so grateful to them for still finding time to support our brilliant cause:
A couple of specific mentions this month:-
Jason has revamped our email signatures and is working behind the scenes on our website – a huge thanks to Jason for bringing his WordPress expertise to support us!
Frances is doing a great job and getting lots of traction by boosting our LinkedIn presence and spreading awareness on social media.
A hea
rtfelt thank you to all our trustees and volunteers for their tireless work!
Featured Article
SimPal volunteer Christina was recently published in Bylines Scotland, sharing powerful insights about digital poverty and its human cost. Why digital poverty is cutting people off from life itself
Meet the SimPal Team
Behind SimPal’s powerful mission to keep people connected is a passionate and dedicated team of professionals, each bringing unique skills, heart, and energy to the cause.
Chris Lewis – COO / Trustee – As co-founder of SimPal, Chris drives the organisation’s vision and day-to-day operations. A cancer survivor and seasoned entrepreneur, he brings unmatched dedication to ensuring no one is isolated due to a lack of connection.
Avril Chester – Patron – Avril is an award-winning tech innovator, author, and cancer advocate. As Patron of SimPal, she lends her voice, expertise, and networks to elevate the impact of our mission.
Megan Simpson – Trustee – Megan is a digital health leader with a passion for inclusion and innovation. With a strong background in healthcare transformation and equity, she brings valuable insight to SimPal’s mission. As a Trustee, Megan helps guide our strategy to ensure our services meet the real needs of those we support.
Zac Toumazi – Corporate Affairs / Trustee – Zac offers strategic insight and corporate relationship expertise. A trusted Trustee, he helps shape SimPal’s governance and partnerships, making sure we grow responsibly and sustainably.
Lee Townsend – Brand Ambassador – Lee is a professional boxer and passionate advocate for inclusion. As a SimPal Brand Ambassador, he’s using his platform to raise awareness and share the transformative power of connection.
Jason Boyd – Website and Tech Manager – Jason brings technical know-how to the team, maintaining our website and digital infrastructure. His work ensures our services remain accessible and efficient behind the scenes.
Frances Fletcher – Social Media Manager – Frances energises our online presence with creative, meaningful content across platforms. She’s instrumental in growing SimPal’s digital community and increasing visibility for our work.
Sheila Docker – Brand Ambassador – Sheila brings warmth, wisdom, and lived experience to her ambassador role. Her advocacy and outreach help us stay grounded in the real-world impact of what we do.
Christina Lattimer – Fundraising and Communications Manager – With a strong background in leadership and social impact, Christina leads our fundraising and outreach efforts. She ensures SimPal’s message reaches the right people and turns awareness into action.
What’s Next
We’re excited to share that in September, Chris will be giving a presentation about SimPal to 31 IT managers from 1823 Group and their customers. This opportunity could lead to even more support and more phones in the hands of people who need them most.
Getting Involved
Here’s How You Can Help:
- Donate an old phone – We’ll wipe it, recycle it, and give it new life.
- Make a one-off or monthly donation – Every £10 helps keep someone connected.
- Become a Partner – Contact us if you’d like to explore a partnership.
- Spread the word – Forward this newsletter or share our campaign on social media.
- Volunteer with us – Tech skills welcome but not essential. Enthusiasm matters most.
- Email us: chris@yoursimpal.com