The Connecting Scotland Programme, which aims to get 60,000 digitally excluded households online by the end of 202, is currently open for the second round of Phase 3 of funding, which focuses on employability.
Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme set up to tackle digital exclusion during the coronavirus crisis. It is delivered with the support of local councils, SCVO and a wide range of organisations from across Scotland and the UK. Previous application rounds have targeted those at high clinical risk from coronavirus, families with children, young care leavers, older people, disabled people and residents in care homes. Applications are now open for organisations working to remove barriers related to digital exclusion for unemployed young people and adults (aged 16+).
Organisations can apply for support on behalf of the people they work with. This includes:
· Digital devices – iPads and/or Chromebooks
· Internet connectivity – a mobile WiFi hotspot with 24 months unlimited data
· Training and support – for staff and volunteers to become ‘digital champions’ to support people to use the internet confidently and safely
The programme is currently accepting applications from organisations working to remove barriers related to digital exclusion for unemployed young people and adults (aged 16+). The closing date is Monday, 27th September at 5pm, with successful organisations receiving their devices in November and December.
From 28 September the programme will be accepting fast track applications from organisations that can identify users who are:
· Digitally excluded, and
· On a low income, and
· At risk of social isolation and loneliness (particularly, but not exclusively, older people, people with disabilities, and single parents)
You can find more information, including details of how to apply, at https://connecting.scot/organisations/. If you have any questions about the Connecting Scotland programme, you can contact help@connecting.scot.
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