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About Connecting Scotland
Connecting Scotland is a Scottish Government programme set up in response to coronavirus.
It provides iPads, Chromebooks and support to develop digital skills for people who are digitally excluded and on low incomes.
Phase 1 (April – July 2020)
The first phase of Connecting Scotland included several pilot projects plus the main programme which targeted 9,000 households who were clinically vulnerable to coronavirus (for example, with someone shielding).
Phase 2 – families and care leavers (August 2020 – April 2021)
The second phase of Connecting Scotland aimed to reach up to 23,000 households, with two key target groups:
- Households with children
- Care leavers up to the age of 26
There were two application rounds, with successful projects in the first round receiving devices in December 2020 and January 2021. Projects that were successful in the second round received devices in March and April 2021.
Phase 2 – older and disabled people (December 2020 – March 2021)
The second phase of Connecting Scotland was expanded in December 2021 as part of an additional Scottish Government winter social support package. This aimed to support an additional 5,000 older people and people with disabilities at risk of social isolation and loneliness .
Care homes (November 2020 – May 2021)
The Digital Inclusion – Connecting Residents in Scotland’s Care Homes initiative is a programme of work led by Scottish Government and delivered with Connecting Scotland, in collaboration with COSLA, the Care Inspectorate, Scottish Care and the Scottish Social Services Council. It offered every care home in Scotland iPads and internet connections for shared use between residents as well as staff skills development opportunities.
Phase 3 – employability (June 2021 >)
Phase three is now underway and aims to remove barriers related to digital exclusion for unemployed young people and adults (aged 16+).
There are two rounds of applications planned for 2021:
- The first application round was open until 5pm on Monday 5th July. Devices will be delivered in late August and September.
- The second application round is now open until 5pm on Monday 27th September, with successful organisations receiving their devices in November and December.
To find out more and apply please visit: https://connecting.scot/organisations/
How it works
Organisations and local councils get support from SCVO. This includes:
- kit – internet enabled devices
- connectivity – through mobile data
- training and support – for staff and volunteers to become ‘digital champions’ to support people to use the internet confidently and safely.
Get involved
If you are a public or voluntary organisation that already works with the target groups for Connecting Scotland, you can apply for devices to distribute.
Please read the full application guidance and frequently asked questions before applying. Full guidance on the programme can be found by visiting connecting.scot.
