The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the membership organisation for Scotland's charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. Charity registered in Scotland SC003558. Registered office Caledonian Exchange, 19A Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG.
Project outcomes
Organisations have told us about the transformational impact of device lending, with some sharing how a borrowed device or internet connection can be a real lifeline that helps vulnerable people through crisis situations.
We know from our own experience of delivering digital inclusion initiatives and from learning alongside others, that supported access to suitable devices and connectivity can have a wide range of benefits, such as:
- improved digital skills and confidence
- improved wellbeing, e.g. by being able to pursue or rediscover hobbies and interests, and by keeping in touch with friends and family
- improved education and employment opportunities
- improved financial outcomes, e.g. by being able to use consumer comparison websites
- motivation to stay online after borrowing, leading to longer-term digital inclusion
- mitigating the risk of digital exclusion, e.g. if device breaks or during periods of hardship when access to information and support is critical
- improved social inclusion for people with disabilities, e.g. by using accessibility tools to engage with the online world
- increased engagement with services and opportunities to benefit from other programmes
Whatever your organisation or approach, running a digital device lending scheme is very likely to have many positive outcomes and is going to add measurable value to your existing services.
If you would like to find out more or discuss your project with a member of SCVO's Digital Inclusion Team, please reach out via digital@scvo.org.uk or browse our resources.
It has given some tenants a lifeline to family and friends. Being able to video call when they are housebound has done wonders for their wellbeing and mental health. Being able to loan a MiFi for free internet has been extremely beneficial particularly in an area of multiple deprivation factors.
- Lending Library grantee