Parents call for unwanted mobiles for Jordan

The family of an autistic teenager is urging people to answer their call for old mobile phones – as part of a national fundraising scheme aimed at providing autistic children with iPads. 

Carl and Naomi Williams are calling on people to donate unwanted handsets so they can buy an iPad for their son Jordan, who has autism and learning difficulties.

Fourteen-year-old Jordan, who attends St John’s School, finds it difficult to socialise with his peers, struggles to communicate, and has a reading and spelling age of nine years old.

The scheme, run by autism charity, Hearts & Minds Challenge, enables families to exchange old mobiles for iPads. Just 165 mobile phones can be traded in for a brand new iPad, which can make a real difference to youngsters like Jordan.

Carl, 40, from Five Stiles Road, said: “The Hearts & Minds iPad scheme is amazing, because it will enable Jordan to improve his reading and writing. Jordan currently has the reading and spelling age of an eight or nine-year-old and he really struggles to hold a conversation. The iPad has the potential to dramatically improve his communication skills.

“I’d like to encourage anyone who may have old or unwanted mobiles lying around at home to get in contact and help transform our son’s life.”

Hearts & Minds Challenge is a charity dedicated to supporting children and families touched by autism. The organisation aims to raise the quality of life for individuals and their families affected by the disorder, by ensuring the provision of the highest standards in education, care and support.

To date, the charity’s fundraising activity has raised over £500,000 and has helped to educate and support many children and families.

Ian McGrath, founder of Hearts & Minds, said: “This scheme has already helped to transform the lives of over 200 families around the UK and we would like to see many more people benefit.

“The therapeutic benefits of using interactive, easy-to-use technology, such as an iPad, have now been widely recognised and really can make a difference. I’d like to encourage everyone to donate any old phones to help support Jordan and his family.”

To donate an unwanted mobile phone, contact Carl on 07867 318169.