Our call to care

Tom, our CEO, introduces Tesco Mobile's new purpose - Caring for human connection.

Robert and Kath work for Westminster City Council and St Mungo’s Charity. Their mission is simple: to end rough sleeping in Westminster. But their challenge is immense, especially in this time of Coronavirus. They talk vividly about the difference our handset donations are making to them every day. And Liz, who runs the Tesco Mobile donation scheme, talks about her new perspective on the extraordinary difference our work is making to homeless people in London and beyond.

If you enjoyed Kirsty's contribution to the Care Homes & Connection podcast and you want to hear the whole conversation between her and Karl, here it is. We talk about all kinds of things including hostage negotiation, why she turned up late for the Conference in February at the Roundhouse and a whole bunch of other stuff. One for any real fans of Kirsty. 

Over these last weeks helping feed the nation has been an urgent call to care. When our Phone Shops temporarily closed, our colleagues stepped up to help in Tesco stores across the UK. Amanda Mclaren and Peter March were two of those colleagues. In conversation with Karl, they shared just some of their stories and perspectives.

Jon has been in isolation for seven weeks due to Covid-19. His response to being alone has been to connect people in his community to helpful local resources, to raise money and to help others who need it.

Rob works with Addiction NI in Belfast - a harm reduction charity that supports people dependent on drugs and alcohol. Rob describes not just how the phones we’ve donated have made a difference, but his own personal journey too and the unique perspective it's given him when it comes to supporting people whose habits control their lives and reducing the stigma attached to addiction.

Anna leads regular sessions for the British Red Cross in London for young refugees in which they create a safe, welcoming space for young people to meet, talk and learn about how to succeed in adapting to their new life in the UK. Anna talks about the challenges these young people have faced to reach the UK, the importance of creativity when it comes to self-expression and how important connection is to develop confidence and skills.For the video mentioned: https://www.migrationmattersfestival.co.uk/2020/compass

Zoe, a Detective Sergeant in Wales and Susie, who works for Angus Women Aid in Scotland, both received phones and airtime from Tesco Mobile to help their organisations. They talk about the crucial role that phones give in helping victims to regain control and the critical need for connection in isolating times. What’s not surprising - given that their work includes supporting women and children who’ve become victims of domestic abuse - is that they’re both hugely experienced and compassionate people. What might come as a surprise is their resourcefulness, creativity, the source of their inspiration and their extraordinary optimism. See the YEG video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXIUXcyMLEw&t=4s