Alan combatted homelessness for three years contributing to a lack of confidence in the digital world and affected his mental health. Our Digital Support Volunteers supported him to learn an array of digital skills and secure housing.
People Know How first supported Alan during the pandemic as part of our Reconnect service, through an emergency covid-response project that delivered over 3,000 devices to those in need in Edinburgh, the Lothians, and further across Scotland.
As lockdown restrictions came to an end in 2022 we revised our digital support model to focus on equipping people with the digital skills and connectivity they need to be digitally included beyond the pandemic. As part of this, we followed up with those who benefitted from devices to discuss their progress and any additional support they may need in the form of telephone advice on our national Digital Support Helpline or a digital group in their community.
Homebound
Alan joined one of our digital groups last July. Due to his situation, Alan needed assistance with a variety of digital skills that would provide him with a steady transition from homelessness to finding a home and returning to the world of work.
The welcoming environment created at the digital group helped Alan to open up about his personal life and reconnect with friends and family through the introduction of email which he could access through his new device. People Know How provided an iPad and connectivity, and Digital & Wellbeing Coordinator Filip worked with Alan to help him access Edindex, the local online registry for council housing. This combined with his newfound email skills meant Alan could coordinate with the council and begin his bid for housing.
After securing housing in October, Alan used his newfound confidence and improved living situation to tackle his next mission; securing a job, our digital groups provided CV training and cover letter support to ensure that Alan was well equipped for tackling the job market. Rarely missing a session, Alan has made new friends within the digital group, sharing how the volunteer’s support has boosted his mood and helped his mental health.
Digital support across Edinburgh and the Lothians
Alan’s is one of many stories of those who have benefitted from digital groups; through sessions, he learned how to use Gmail, build a CV, and search the web effectively. These are only a few of the many skills that group members can receive access to.
We are always looking for Digital Support Volunteers to support local community members like Alan. Digital groups, provide the essential digital skills needed to navigate the modern world. These groups become the haven they are thanks to our Digital Support Volunteers. You don’t need to be a computer expert, but simply a compassionate individual looking to help those around them.