The Connecting Scotland Digital Support Helpline was pivotal in helping Ann and her family, restoring access to key resources they relied on, and increasing their digital inclusion.
Ann and her family were part of the initial Connecting Scotland programme, which was set up by the Scottish Government and SCVO to ensure that every household in Scotland could have internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic. They received an internet connection through the scheme, which became a crucial part of their lives. For her two young children, this allowed them to complete homework online, while Ann and her husband were able to keep track of finances and bills.
The Connecting Scotland Digital Support Helpline, run by People Know How, has remained a constant since the programme’s foundation. It was set up to support people like Ann who had received devices and connections through the scheme but has since opened up to support anyone who needs support with digital, anywhere in Scotland, at no cost. The helpline is run by our team of staff and VIPs (volunteers, interns and placement students) who are committed to ensuring that everyone who calls leaves with their problem solved and feeling more confident using digital.
Ann contacted the helpline after she received a letter advising her that her initial data was due to end. While Ann and her husband work, the cost of living has considerably strained their spending. They were unsure if they could afford the internet alongside supporting their household through increased rent, petrol, utilities and food costs. Ann didn’t know where they’d find the little bit extra every month to pay for an internet connection but also how life would be for her family would be affected if they didn’t have one.
Living without digital
Thanks to the helpline, Ann and her family have been set up with a new period of data, allowing them to continue to use digital to ensure they can keep up with the fast-moving world.
For Ann and her family, living without digital was not an option. Without digital, the cost is a reduction in social, financial and wellbeing opportunities which we take for granted. The helpline ensures people get to experience all the benefits that digital provides.
Connectivity has also been an important social bridge for Ann’s children. They’ve been able to relax and unwind after a busy school day by watching their favourite TV shows and movies using streaming apps. They go into school excited to speak to their friends about a recent episode or YouTube video they watched, laughing and recounting their favourite moments, all thanks to an online connection.
Ann’s story shares similarities with many callers to the helpline as they look for ways to continue enjoying the benefits of being connected. Whether through helping callers identify discounted plans like social tariffs, providing them with connectivity advice, or supporting them with a data plan, the helpline continues to ensure people have the digital support and tools they need to live a digital life in the 21st century. Our support is also not just limited to connectivity; we can also help with completing everyday tasks online, reducing costs or managing finances, paying bills online, and more.
If someone you know could benefit from free digital support the Connecting Scotland Digital Helpline can be called on 0800 0590 0690 Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.