Glasgow charities secure half a million pounds to tackle digital exclusion  

More than half a million pounds has been awarded to charities across Glasgow in a bid to bridge the digital divide.

Six charities and community groups from Castlemilk to Maryhill have secured £545,000 in funding to help take down digital barriers across the city, which holds one of the worst records for digital exclusion in the UK.

As of 2023, almost 14,000 Glasgow residents do not have internet access, with research from the University of Glasgow showing almost half belong to the most deprived socio-economic groups.

This is the latest round of funding awarded through the Building Digital Skills Fund, set up last year to boost digital skills, improve access to affordable data and broadband and provide essential digital equipment like mobile Wi-fi devices.

The new investment brings the total sum awarded by the fund - a partnership between the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation - to more than £1.3m, and 15 charities have benefited from it.

Lauren McKenzie, trustee of the HFD Charitable Foundation, said: “Digital inclusion is key to unlocking opportunities, improving access to services, and empowering people. These charities are leading the way, and their work is crucial in ensuring people have the technical tools and skills they need to thrive.”

Last year, an Audit Scotland report revealed more than 15 per cent of Scottish adults lack the digital skills needed for everyday life. With technology driving public sector reform plans, the organisation warned the digital divide was putting people’s human rights at risk.

Speaking to Holyrood last September, Sally Dyson head of digital at SCVO (Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations), said: “You’ve got that double whammy around that cliff edge that people will fall off because they can’t access healthcare or training information, and Scotland lagging behind the rest of the world. It’s a doom and gloom situation.”

Recipients of the funding include Crossroads Youth and Community Association, Govan Youth Information Project, LinKes, Castlemilk Law & Money Advice Centre, Community Central Hall in Maryhill, and Crookston Community Group.

Each charity has a record for promoting digital inclusion. During the Covid pandemic, Crossroads Youth and Community Association helped distribute 700 devices and connectivity kits to residents in Govanhill and the Gorbals.

Dani Waddell, charity manager at the association said: “Receiving this support means we can continue to take a holistic approach to digital inclusion, tailored to the needs of our local community. We know digital exclusion is complex – simply providing data and devices isn’t enough to bridge the divide. That’s why we’ll be working with the Gorbals community to build confidence, skills, and capacity to use digital technologies in ways that enrich their lives. On behalf of Crossroads and the Gorbals community, we’d like to extend our thanks to the HFD Charitable Foundation and Virgin Money Foundation for supporting our digital journey.”