Digital inclusion, wellbeing and creativity

Dean WillisNews

Our computer delivery project has helped Duncan to get back into creating music, allowing creativity to positively influence his wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.


Coping with self-isolation

Our computer delivery project helps people cope with self-isolation, by not only helping them stay connected and get online, but also by supporting them to keep up their creative activities while staying at home.

A creative outlet

One of the main recommendations for looking after yourself and your mental health during lockdown is to keep up a daily routine and to make time for things you enjoy.

Pauline is a carer here in Edinburgh, where she cares for Duncan who has bipolar disorder. Duncan enjoys making music on his computer but a few months ago his computer stopped working. Due to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions on movement, Pauline and Duncan couldn’t find a repair shop that was open and couldn't get the computer fixed.

Duncan's PC plays an important role in his health and wellbeing. It gives him a creative outlet and allows him to engage in something that he loves. Without it and without his music, Pauline noticed that Duncan was feeling lost. In living with bipolar disorder, emotions can feel amplified and so changes in mood can have a serious impact on wellbeing. Without this creative outlet, Duncan found his mental health was starting to suffer.

Pauline found out about our computer delivery project thanks to Care4Carers who got in touch with us to see if we could help. We sourced and delivered a working computer onto which Duncan could install his music-making software and get back to his favourite pastime.

Now he's back on the computer and is feeling much better. Not only does it allow him to stay in touch with family and friends, but he’s also making music and music videos again.

“This kind of thing helps him keep well. It's life-changing.”
- Pauline


Please note that names have been anonymised to protect the people we support.