<h1>Reconnect</h1>

What is Reconnect?

Reconnect supported to adults and families to improve wellbeing by increasing digital and social inclusion. We did this by providing in-person support in Edinburgh and the Lothians and through our Digital Support helpline, offering digital support across Scotland.

We always believed that digital inclusion and social inclusion are linked and together contribute to enhanced wellbeing. We provided a supportive environment to reduce social isolation through building digital skills and maintaining connections, helping people to stay connected, improve financial health, increase employability, access resources and more.

We also helped adults recovering from addiction to become digitally included. Scotland has the highest drug-death rate in Europe. Increasing digital inclusion creates opportunities including finding recovery groups, discovering useful tools and apps, tracking housing applications, applying for Universal Credit, keeping in touch with family or rediscovering hobbies online.

We were a UK Network Ambassador with Good Things Foundation, delivering training across the UK.

Our approach

We used a three-faceted approach to digital inclusion, providing support through digital groups, one-to-one, and through the Digital Support Helpline. Through these interventions, we helped with:

  • Using devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers
  • Connecting to the internet
  • Navigating the web and social media
  • Completing everyday tasks online
  • Connecting with the community, family and friends
  • Accessing support networks
  • Managing finances, paying bills and saving money online
  • Reducing costs (energy providers, data plans, shopping, etc.)
  • Finding opportunities for education and employment
  • Feeling less isolated and having someone to talk to
  • Learning more about the upcoming PSTN phone line switch-over to digital - for customers of any landline service provider

Hear what it was like to attend one of our digital groups, as featured on the Keeping Edinburgh podcast.


Someone receiving support from a member of the Reconnect team and helpline coordinator, sitting in front of a laptop
Read our service leaflet

Connecting Scotland helpline

Over-the-phone digital support

Our Digital Support Helpline was open to anyone in Scotland, offering support with computers, tablets, laptops, smartphones, connectivity and all things digital. We ran the helpline in partnership with the Scottish Government and SCVO. We also partnered with BT and numerous telecoms providers including Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Sky, to provide support and information about the switch to digital landlines.

Digital and wellbeing

In-person digital support

Edinburgh & the Lothians

We ran digital groups with partner organisations across Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing opportunities to learn about technology, feel supported, meet up with others, and feel more included in the community. Each session was designed from the experiences and input of our coordinators to make them easy, enjoyable, and open to anyone who needs help with digital, including families, young adults, those seeking employment and older people.

Please note that the digital groups below are still being run by our partner organisations however times and locations may be subject to changes. Contact the organisation directly for more information.

      Laichfield


      Tuesdays
      10am - 12pm

      Learn basic digital skills, shopping online, device management

      Get directions

      Moira Park


      Tuesdays
      2pm - 4pm

      Learn basic digital skills, shopping online, device management

      Get directions

      Craigmillar Library


      Wednesdays
      10am - 12pm

      Learn basic digital skills, applying for jobs online and editing CVs and cover letters

      Get directions

      Port of Leith


      Fridays
      10am - 12pm

      Learn basic digital skills, applying for jobs online and editing CVs and cover letters

      Get directions
      Connecting Scotland helpline

      Supporting Scotland with the switch to digital landlines

      We've partnered with BT to run 50 events in rural areas of Scotland, providing people with the information they need to prepare for the upcoming switch from the analogue PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to digital landlines. With Scotland home to many rural areas with low mobile signal, older population and regular power cuts, we're passionate about raising awareness of the digital switchover and providing landline users with the reassurance and information they need to prepare for the change.

      We’re looking for organisations that can run an event in rural areas of Scotland, providing information to help people learn more and make the switch. We’ll provide support, training and cover the costs. If you're interested, please contact our Communications team at communications@peopleknowhow.org.

      If you or those you support need help with the switch but can’t run an event, you can also contact our Digital Support Helpline on 0800 0590 690 for help and advice. We can offer information and support for all those affected by the switchover no matter your provider.

      Contact us
      Midlothian

      9:00am - 1:00pm
      Friday 23 August
      One Dalkeith Hub
      21 Eskdaill Ct
      Dalkeith
      EH22 1AG

      Run by One Dalkeith

      East Lothian

      9:00am - 1:00pm
      Thursday 29 August
      Dunbar Library
      Bleachingfield Community Centre
      Dunbar
      EH42 1DX

      Run by People Know How

      Clackmannanshire

      10:00am - 2:00pm
      Monday 2 September
      Devonvale Hall
      Moss Road
      Tillicoultry
      FK13 6NS

      Run by CAC Skills Development Centre

      Angus

      10:30 - 2:30pm
      Wednesday 4 September
      MacNiven Hall
      The Hub at Friockheim
      Eastgate, Friockheim
      DD11 4TG

      Run by GoodCall Mobile CIC

      North Lanarkshire

      2:30pm - 6:30pm
      Thursday 5 September
      Shotts Library
      Benhar Road
      Shotts
      ML7 5EN

      Run by North Lanarkshire Council

      End data poverty

      Let's end data poverty

      Our learning from delivering Reconnect informed our national campaign to end data poverty, Connectivity Now

      With demand for Reconnect projects growing during the pandemic, the need for action in Scotland to combat digital exclusion and in particular data poverty has become increasingly clear. Our Connectivity Now report and manifesto map three key actions that we believe can end data poverty.

      Find out more
      Scotland's Digital Inclusion Charter - Recognised
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      Good Things Foundation Network Ambassador
      We're being supported by the ScottishPowerFoundation in 2024
      Scottish Charity Awards 2021 Winner Digital Citizens

      Our partners, funders & supporters

      Scottish Government
      Good Things Foundation
      SCVO
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      Good Things Foundation
      Virgin Media O2
      Vodafone
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      East Lothian Council
      Community Fund
      The Robertson Trust logo
      Nominet
      National Lottery Community Fund logo
      Walter Scott logo
      VCEL
      Queen Margaret University Edinburgh
      University of Edinburgh
      Community Renewal: Transforming Communities
      Bridges
      Cyrenians
      Score Scotland
      Space
      Fisherrow Centre
      The Ripple
      Scottish Seniors Computer Club
      Hibernian Community Foundation Logo
      LifeCare
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      Community Renewal
      Connecting Scotland