A GREENOCK bank is set to benefit from a programme which provides free mobile services to those living in digital poverty.

Virgin Money on West Blackhall Street is one of several branches which will see the roll out of the National Databank.

The programme was founded by Virgin Media O2 and leading digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation.

It works in a similar manner to a foodbank, instead providing free mobile data, texts and calls for those in need.

Greenock is one of the latest towns to benefit from the scheme, following a six-month pilot in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow branches.

A host of other branches across the UK are also set to adopt the programme.

Greenock Telegraph: Virgin Money's scheme is being rolled out at the West Blackhall Street branchVirgin Money's scheme is being rolled out at the West Blackhall Street branch (Image: Google Street View)

Lyn Rose, head of customer care and stores, said: “Many of us take for granted how easy it is to use digital tools to complete everyday tasks such as paying bills, comparing insurance premiums and even chatting with friends and family online.

“However, for people living in digital poverty, getting online isn’t quite as straightforward or affordable and we want to change that."

 

Through the National Databank, people can request a voucher from a local community support organisation registered with the Good Things Foundation.

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They will then be able to take this to Virgin Money’s Greenock branch to pick up an O2 SIM card loaded with 20GB of data.

Helen Milner, group chief executive at the Good Things Foundation, added: “Having enough data in our increasingly digital society is not a nice to have, it’s an absolute essential. If you’re not online you can’t save money on products and services, help your children participate in home-learning, or apply for jobs."