The Lister Unified Communications and Punchline-Gloucester.com charity campaign to recycle old mobile phones has launched in Cheltenham.

A special mobile phone recycling bin has been placed at Hub8 at Gloucestershire College, adjacent to GCHQ.

Bins have already been placed at Growth Hubs in Gloucester, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury and the Forest of Dean and the campaign has got off to a flyer.

It's all in aid of The Nelson Trust, the Stroud-based charity that brings hope and long-term recovery to lives affected by addiction and multiple disadvantages.

The idea is for businesses and community groups to locate their old phones, drop them in a box at their workplace and The Nelson Trust will come and collect them. Alternatively, you can drop them off at one of the Growth Hubs around the county.

Rob Lister, managing director of Stonehouse-based Lister, said: "We've teamed up with Punchline-Gloucester.com as a major partner in this and we're hoping we can recycle as many mobile phones as possible across the county. If we can all play a little part in recycling these phones, we could help some people in real need.

He added: "We've had a fantastic response so far. We're trying to attract the attention of as many businesses as possible to get behind the campaign."

Punchline-Gloucester.com editor Mark Owen said: "The reaction so far has been absolutely fantastic. Mobile phones have been coming in thick and fast. Hopefully as many businesses as possible can support this great charity.

"There must be thousands of unused phones across the county tucked away in drawers at home or in the office that can be easily recycled and used to raise funds for the charity which helps women in crisis.

"It's a different kind of appeal - we're not asking businesses for money, we want their old mobile phones lying around people's homes. It's a very simple concept.

"We are looking for community champions in every business to collect phones."

Phone donors are advised to wipe all their private information off their devices before dropping them off, but Lister's experts can clear them, if necessary.

The old phones either get refurbished and upcycled or broken down as their parts contain tiny bits of precious metals.

The initiative is being supported by Gloucester-based BiGDUG, which has supplied the recycling bins, and Blue Sky Signs  which created all the signage for the bins.

Andy Jarrett, fundraising & events lead at The Nelson Trust, said: "We are immensely grateful to Lister Unified Communications, Punchline-Gloucester.com, and all those who will generously donate their old mobile phones to support The Nelson Trust.

"Shockingly, a significant number of women have their phones taken away from them as a means of control in manipulative relationships.

"This support not only helps reduce landfill waste but also plays a vital role in raising much-needed funds to support women in crisis and individuals battling addiction and multiple complex challenges. This collaboration exemplifies the power of community and generosity."

Mark Owen added: "We strongly ask that anyone donating a box of phones or going to the hubs to drop them off, to take a photo and tag @markmooseOwen  @PunchlineGlos  @ListerUnified Communications  @Andy Jarrett  across X - formerly known as Twitter - and LinkedIn so that we can share and help spread the word and get as many people and businesses involved as possible."

To stay up to date with the campaign, visit www.punchline-gloucester.com 

To have your box of used mobile phones picked up, email andy.jarrett@nelsontrust.com 

For more information about The Nelson Trust visit www.nelsontrust.com