We would like to thank Abertay Housing Association for their recent support in providing devices such as iPad’s, Chromebooks, MiFi’s and more to the children, young people and families we support in Dundee. The devices were provided as part of the Connecting Scotland initiative which looks to support everyone in Scotland to get online.
Staying connected has never been as important as it has been during the last year of the pandemic with many of us turning to technology to stay in touch with family, friends and more.
Sadly, many of the families we support can’t afford to connect.
Our report – Staying Connected – Assessing digital inclusion during the coronavirus pandemic – found that of the children, young people and families we support, 20% did not have access to the devices they needed with a further 33% stating they did not feel they would be able to afford ongoing costs. Throughout the pandemic, includem have supported families with these costs where possible.
The support was welcomed by our Chief Executive – Martin Dorchester – who said:
“On behalf of includem, I would like to thank Abertay Housing Association for their generous support. The devices provided will play a key part in keeping the children, young people and their families we support connected not only during but also after the current lockdown restrictions.
“Includem fully supports the Connecting Scotland initiative, and welcomes today’s publication of the Digital Strategy for Scotland which outlines how we can achieve world leading levels of digital inclusion in Scotland, including through building upon the Connecting Scotland programme.
“We look forward to working with partners such as Abertay Housing Association to play our part in realising this vision.”
Clare Talbot from Abertay Housing Association added:
“Being online is an essential lifeline, more so now than ever.
“Our link with includem has enabled us to help young people in our community connect with family and friends, progress with their studies, as well as access other public services’.
“We look forward to continuing this relationship with any future projects.”
You can read our Staying Connected report here
Find out more about the Digital Strategy here and you can read our response here
