Virgin Media O2 has committed 1,000 refurbished smartphones to children with Type 1 diabetes, helping families make full use of continuous glucose monitoring systems that rely on mobile connectivity. The donation is being made through Community Calling, the operator’s device‑redistribution initiative, in partnership with Supporting Children with Diabetes, which collaborates with NHS trusts to assist families unable to afford a suitable handset.

Each smartphone acts as the hub for glucose data, receiving readings from a wearable sensor via Bluetooth and displaying them through specialised medical apps. This setup allows children to track their levels throughout the day, while parents can monitor the information remotely for added peace of mind. According to Nicola Green, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer, the initiative underlines how central mobile technology has become to modern healthcare, particularly for long‑term condition management.

Supporting Children with Diabetes founder and CEO Carolyn Goldhill emphasised that access to a capable phone can dramatically improve the safety and stability of diabetes care. Without a device able to run the required apps, families must revert to multiple daily finger‑prick tests, making the process more intrusive and less reliable. With a suitable handset, the data flows directly to an app, providing clearer trends and earlier warnings when intervention is needed.

The smartphones included in this donation are prepared to run medical software reliably and withstand everyday use, contributing to smoother care routines for families. Community Calling has already processed more than 26,000 devices, and Virgin Media O2 aims to donate up to 12,000 more during 2025, further combining digital inclusion with improved health outcomes for children across the UK.