Vulnerable Highlanders get smart tech to connect during lockdown
Hundreds of vulnerable families in the Highlands have been given smar tphones, tablets, computers and data to help them keep in touch with loved ones and access vital services during the coronavirus crisis.
A total of 230 digital devices and 17,250GB of data have been donated, helping more t h a n 5 0 0 p e o p l e i n r e mot e parts of Scotland.
O l d e r p e o p l e , d o m e s t i c a b u s e v i c t i m s , s c h o o l c h i l - dren without access to online r es o ur c e s a n d memb e r s o f the travelling community are among those to benefit.
The Libertie Project, a notfor-profit so cial enterprise, distributed the devices after b eing matched with digital transformation consultancy Level 5 by the National Business Response Network.
S c o t s a c r o s s a n a r e a stretching from Fort William to Ullapool, Thurso and Nairn have received the technology.
A f u r t h e r 10 0 d e v i c e s are due to be distributed before Christmas.
Since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, the National Business Response Network has made more than 2 ,0 0 0 ma t c h e s b e t we e n l o c a l c o m m u n i t y g r o u p s , schools and charities and UK businesses that have been able t o mee t t h e i r u rg e n t n e e d s during the crisis.
The network was launched in April by charit y Business i n t h e C o mmuni t y a n d t h e Prince’s Responsible Business Network, with more than 750 member companies.
S i n c e i t s l a u n c h , i t h a s received a total of £2 million i n v e s t m e n t f r o m A x a a n d the London Stock Exchange Group.
Amanda Mackenzie, chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “This was a brilliant project that brought vital internet connections to Highlands families and communities isolated by Covid-19.
“I t h a s b e e n p h e n o me n a l to see how businesses, local g r o u p s a n d c h a r i t i e s h ave come together over the past six months to make a difference.”