We’ve reviewed our Reconnect model to provide the best support possible for local communities recovering from the pandemic by working in collaboration to address the cost of living crisis.
One of People Know How’s strategic aims is to increase digital inclusion and ensure everyone has access to affordable data. We do this by providing digital support in the local community through Reconnect, helping to reduce social isolation, improve financial health, increase employability and much more. We then harness our learning from delivering this service to inform national campaigns like Connectivity Now.
The world moves fast and needs change with it, which is why we’re always reviewing and refreshing our services to meet current need by using our social innovation model. Things have changed quickly over the last few years, including the demand and recognition of the importance of digital inclusion. To address this, we have reviewed our Reconnect service delivery model to provide the best support possible for local communities recovering from the pandemic by working in collaboration to address the cost of living crisis.
Growing Reconnect
Over the course of the pandemic, our digital work grew exponentially as those experiencing digital exclusion became cut off during lockdowns, unable to access essential services and resources. We supported thousands of individuals by providing digital devices, support to use them, and connectivity solutions. We also partnered with SCVO as part of the Scottish Government’s Connecting Scotland programme, operating the national helpline providing digital phone support across the country.
Through this work, we were able to provide devices and digital skills that have helped people long-term, but connectivity solutions that we and others could offer were only ever temporary. This is why we started Connectivity Now, our Scotland-wide campaign to end data poverty which aims to lobby the government to implement policy change that can make the campaign a reality.
Working in collaboration
Eradicating digital exclusion and data poverty is a tall order, but through place-based collaboration both nationally and locally, we can work together to affect change at scale.
When the world began to reopen, we looked to the grassroots of the communities that need our support, including local groups, charities, and schools, to create a network of free groups providing digital support across Edinburgh and East Lothian.
We design our digital groups from the experiences and input of our coordinators, with the aim of making them easy, approachable and enjoyable. They are open to anyone who needs help with digital, including families, young adults, those seeking employment or the elderly. It’s not just digital exclusion that these groups tackle, but also social isolation. Groups give people opportunities to learn about technology and meet up with other people, feeling more included in the community.
As we continue to grow this network, we're open to developing new groups in collaboration with community centres, local organisations and anyone working with adults to support their digital and wellbeing needs.
In addition to this network, we continue to share our learning and draw on strengths through collaborations such as our partnership with Edinburgh Remakery, our work as Ambassadors with Good Things Foundation, and a pilot directly supporting those recovering from addiction.
Addressing the cost of living crisis
With the cost of living rising, this work carries even more importance as the poverty premium continues to impact low-income families even further, causing them to pay more for essential goods and services.
This places people in a paradoxical situation, with the main obstacle to purchasing an affordable internet connection or finding ways to save money during this cost of living crisis being an inability to get online to efficiently research and make informed choices to cut bills and save money.
No matter how many articles are published around “5 top tips to saving energy this winter”, without a device, digital skills and an internet connection, these tips won’t reach those who are digitally excluded. Many of these tips, like “set up a direct debit”, are also inaccessible to those unable to access internet banking.
As winter draws nearer, we’ll be working to continue to grow our digital group network, providing essential digital support at the heart of local communities. Keep an eye on our growing digital group map on our website to find a digital group near you.