Helping get Arran digitally connected
The arrival of Covid-19 and the lockdown period has meant more focus on digital delivery of communications, support and social activity for everyone.
It is important to have equity of access to internet for everyone, particularly in rural areas where people often have pre-existing social isolation and reduced contact with some public services.
As a proactive approach Arran Community and Voluntary Service (ACVS) lodged an application with Connecting Scotland to be part of the Scottish government national initiative, which was set up in response to coronavirus, with the aim of getting 30,000 digitally excluded households online in 2020.
Arran CVS was fortunate enough to secure 10 iPads with free 3G access for 12 months and training for support. This coupled with Big Lottery funding, for a direct Covid-19 response which took place during lockdown, has created the fortunate position of being able to double the number of iPads and digital support available to 20 people.
Arran CVS is now rolling out the Connecting Arran Digital Inclusion Pro-gramme, which will be focussing primarily on older people in the community who may have been affected by digital exclusion or social isolation.
And now Arran CVS is looking for help from anyone with spare time to help and be a volunteer who will buddy up with an iPad recipient (at safe distance) and give basic digital support. Following successful completion of PVG check through Disclosure Scotland, there is a two-hour training session to become a digital champion delivered by Connecting Scotland.
If anyone would like to become a volunteer or knows of someone who would like to get connected please contact info@arrancvs.org. uk or call 01770 600611