Age UK starts conversations with new mobile phone

According to research, just over two-thirds (68%)i of those aged 65 plus use a mobile phone and this drops to just over half (52%)ii amongst those aged 75 plus.

With this and its ambition to improve later life in mind, Age UK, the leading charity for older people has teamed up with CyCell, a specialist mobile network operator, to develop the Age UK My Phone.

The phone is perfect for people who want a straightforward, personal phone. The new credit card-sized, lightweight mobile phone is designed to make everyday communication easy by allowing customers to call friends and family at the touch of a button. It comes with a maximum of eight buttons, (all of which can be customised to contact loved ones with a single press). All the user needs to do is push a button and their nearest and dearest can be contacted instantly with no need for dialling numbers or going through a phonebook.

Age UK My Phone handsets cost £55 and are accompanied by a range of flexible, cost-effective 30 day rolling price plans for customers to choose from. There's also a choice of 11 colourful handset designs - ideal for those looking for something stylish to suit your personality. The phone arrives fully charged and ready to use straight from the box, so there's no complicated set up. The battery will typically last up to five days and the number of the phone is even written clearly on the back for easy reference.

With the annual Christmas gift quandary fast approaching, Age UK is offering a gift package which is available until 31 December at £87.50 which includes the handset and 50 minutes of calls per month for six months. To receive the phone in time for Christmas, orders will need to be received by 5.30pm on Friday 14 December to guarantee delivery. For each phone sold Age UK will receive approximately 15%, as well as a contribution from each monthly tariff.

Customers don't have to make a long-term commitment to pay for their phone but can instead cancel their contract by giving 30 days' notice should it no longer suit their requirements. There is a 28 day money back guarantee, with 12 months warranty as standard. Customers can change their pre-set numbers by simply contacting the Age UK My Phone helpline.

Helena King, Head of Affinity at Age UK, said: 'According to latest research, 88%iii of people aged 65+ use a fixed landline as their main method of making and receiving phone calls. It's therefore not surprising that some older people may have limited experience of using mobile technology and the benefits it has to offer.

'We know how important it is to stay in touch and we've listened to feedback from older people, so we're delighted to be launching the Age UK My Phone. It's easy to use and means that people can contact their nearest and dearest at literally the touch of a button.'

The phone is available to buy at selected Age UK shops across England and can also be ordered by telephone and by post. For more information call 0800 085 2761 or go to www.ageuk.org.uk/ageukmyphone to download a copy of the order form or find your nearest Age UK shop. Phone lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors:

i, ii, iii Communications Market report, Ofcom 2012 http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/cmr/cmr12/UK_1.pdf Media contact

For more information, high res images or to review the Age UK My Phone please contact Karen Richards on 0203 0331428 or email Karen.Richards@ageuk.org.uk.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life. We provide free information, advice and support to over six million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and learning and Travel and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we"). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Age UK Peterborough is a local charity working with and for older people in the Peterborough area (registered charity number 1080030). Age UK Peterborough is at The Lindens, 86 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, PE1 2SN.

About CyCell

CyCell Limited is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). They have developed the world's first truly customisable easy to use mobile phone. They offer a full MVNO service capability through their partner Cognatel and can produce personalised handsets and airtime contracts for individuals or companies. www.cycell.com.