Nearly 100 young Western Australians under youth justice supervision – often disconnected from support systems due to unstable housing, financial hardship, or lack of digital access – are now back in touch with vital services, thanks to mobile phones collected and repaired by partners Hello Initiative and Kinetic IT.
These young people are typically on community-based orders, meaning they’re not in detention but must meet strict legal reporting requirements while navigating complex challenges like mental health issues, family breakdown, and poverty. Without reliable access to a phone, many struggle to keep in touch with case workers, attend court appointments, or reach out for help.
That’s where Hello Initiative steps in. Through its Mobile Support Project (MSP), the WA charity provides recycled smartphones and mobile credit to help young people reconnect with legal aid, counselling, crisis accommodation, education, employment services, and food relief. Since 2019, over 700 young people have been supported by the initiative.
The MSP has had a measurable impact, as Hello Initiative reports 67% of young people with a HI-supplied phone have used it to access education services.
The WA Phones 4 Good campaign – a joint effort between Hello Initiative and Kinetic IT – has seen 84 phones donated and 34 repaired. A follow-up phone repair workshop brought together Kinetic IT crew who helped with screen repairs, battery replacements and software setup, preparing phones for real-world use by young people.
Donated, refurbished mobile phones are crucial for
- Keeping in touch with support workers and lawyers
- Maintaining family and community connections
- Accessing professional support like counsellors
- Developing life skills such as organising and managing responsibilities
Ashleigh Dickson, the founder and CEO of Hello Initiative, thanked the phone repair workshop crew for their dedication and skills.
“The team accomplished in one day what usually takes us three months. Their hard work has greatly sped up our ability to support the young people we work with.”
DEI and Participation Specialist, Claudette Llapitan, said it was a fantastic experience.
“It was really fulfilling to see how preparing 34 phones could directly support 34 young people doing it tough. The hands-on nature of the workshop made that impact feel real and personal.”
Kinetic IT has supported Hello Initiative for the past two years, and this activity is a natural progression of that engagement, Claudette said.
The workshop wasn’t just about fixing phones; it was about building connections and fostering a sense of community. HI even surprised participants with mini mobile repair toolkits of their own, which everyone loved.
Kinetic IT’s partnership with the Hello Initiative shows how corporate sponsorships can make a tangible difference, Group Executive for Government, Education and Critical Infrastructure Wayne Berriman said.
“By combining financial support with hands-on involvement, partnerships such as this one with Hello Initiative align with our mission to enrich Australian communities, aligned with customer objectives. Our Hello Initiative partnership is just one of the many ways Kinetic IT strives to give back and make a difference.”
“Thanks to Ash and Hello Initiative for their hard work in the Western Australian community.”
About Hello Initiative
Hello Initiative is a Western Australian charity which was established to improve the social and judicial outcomes for young people involved in criminal justice. Founded in 2019, Hello Initiative has become one of the largest private providers of support services in youth justice across the State, and is only continuing to grow.
The charitable organisation advocates for systemic change in the youth justice sector through collaboration and compassion. It provides real world solutions and support through its mobile phone collection and redistribution program, as well as connecting young people with the relevant social services and providers to ensure they meet their obligations.
The Kinetic IT and Hello Initiative partnership
Kinetic IT’s partnership with the Hello Initiative exemplifies how corporate sponsorships can make a real difference. By combining financial support with hands-on involvement, partnerships such as these can amplify positive impacts for Australian communities. The Hello Initiative partnership is just one of the many ways Kinetic IT strives to give back and make a difference.
Claudette said as a kindred partner Kinetic IT was proud to work alongside Hello Initiative. Some of the ways in which access to these mobile phones will help youth include:
“As an Australian company, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that align with our values and contribute to the well-being of our customers, crew and communities. The success of this workshop is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration and dedication.”
Find out more information about Kinetic IT’s community partnerships.
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