Thanks to our Digital Support Helpline Rachel and her family received crucial support and advice that allowed them to stay safe online while using the internet.
In 2022 Rachel reached out to her local council, expressing concerns about her lack of internet access and the impact it would have on her and her family. Without connectivity, they would not be able to do day-to-day tasks many of us take for granted; from small things like looking up recipes or getting directions, to essential tasks such as finding information on school holidays or accessing resources to help with ongoing health conditions. At the time, she was provided with a MiFi device and iPad to help combat the situation she found herself in.
As Rachel spent time using these devices, she began to worry about how to stay safe online. So she reached out to our Connecting Scotland Digital Support Helpline, a free phone service set up so anyone in Scotland can receive support when accessing the digital world. The helpline is part of Reconnect service providing support to combat digital exclusion, and is run by staff and volunteers who use their time to make sure those who get in touch leave feeling confident and understood.
Rachel was assisted by our Helpline, Digital & Wellbeing Support Coordinator Kirsty. Together they chatted about Rachel’s experience using the internet and identified concerns about spotting spam emails and general internet safety, as she was unsure which information and emails she could trust. Kirsty guided her through precautions she could take to identify whether the emails and websites are authentic.
Staying safe online
As the digital world continues to evolve and change, so do the methods of ensuring online internet safety. Without key information and support, many people may find themselves in danger of having their data compromised. Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide internet safety advice ensuring those who have internet access can feel empowered when going online.
As a result of her conversations with Kirsty, Rachel’s digital confidence flourished. Equipped with this knowledge of internet safety, she now feels more secure when starting up her devices and accessing essential online resources. She is just one of many who have benefitted from our Connecting Scotland Digital Support Helpline since its inception during the Covid-19 pandemic.
We’ve helped countless people in Scotland access free support through the helpline. If you’d like support with digital technology or like to learn more about internet safety then please reach out on 0800 0590 690, available Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm.