Our Computer Delivery project has helped Mark overcome social isolation, stay connected, and to access support services during COVID-19.
Delivering devices
During the coronavirus outbreak we’ve been busy with our Computer Delivery project. Thanks to the support of our wonderful volunteers, and generous donations from individuals and organisations in Edinburgh and East Lothian, we’ve been supplying and delivering refurbished computers and devices to members of the community to help them stay connected, access online support, keep in touch with their family and friends, and continue to pursue their life goals.
Overcoming social isolation and accessing essential support services
Mark has been part of our Reconnect service, which supports vulnerable adults across Edinburgh to improve health and wellbeing, since January. He was referred to Reconnect through his social worker, after a series of unfortunate incidents and life-long mobility issues has left him experiencing acute social isolation. All these issues have been exacerbated during the coronavirus lockdown through which we have been supporting Mark on our Wellbeing Calls project.
Through twice-weekly support phone calls, Mark’s Wellbeing Caller became aware that he was struggling to stay digitally connected because his second-hand laptop was becoming increasingly unreliable and prone to crashing. All accessible local computer repair shops were closed.
Mark was reliant on being digitally connected to keep abreast of current events, information and access to local support services, including shopping and meal delivery services. He also needed access to online entertainment services and social media to provide welcome distractions, and to keep connected with friends in his faith community.
On becoming aware of Mark’s situation, his Wellbeing Caller referred him to Computer Delivery. He received a call from one of our Digital Champions to discuss which device would be best suitable for him and within a fortnight he was in receipt of a refurbished laptop complete with the latest Windows software.
One of Mark’s goals is to get back into employment. During lockdown he applied to, and was accepted for support, by a local employment support service which assists adults with long term conditions and disabilities. The software on Mark’s laptop will now enable him to keep in contact with and receive support from his caseworker through video-conferencing.
Digital exclusion
This is yet another example of how important access to technology and the internet is, particularly for those confronting the challenge of social isolation in the face of ongoing coronavirus restrictions Our project is doing its best to help, but there are thousands of people, including some of the most vulnerable in our communities, who don’t have access to a computer or device to get online.
In May we published a study to expose this issue and propose solutions to digital exclusion. We are now working on an online event in November that will bring together key voices on digital exclusion in Scotland, towards tangible change as part of our Connect Four initiative, driving social innovation through collaboration.
In the meantime, we are still accepting device donations and recipient referrals within our Computer Delivery project to help vulnerable members of community stay connected during this time.