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Support with digital skills, devices and data

The groups below can support you to improve your confidence getting online and using your device.

Access to Industry

run by Access to Industry supports people looking for employment in gaining or improving knowledge and skills related to the worlds of IT and data, preparing them for the demands of the contemporary job market. Tailored to individual needs, the project is suitable both for those with no previous experience in data, as well as those who already possess some knowledge and skills.

It offers

  • one-to-one tailored caseworker support on every step of the way towards employment
  • a range of SQA-accredited IT / data courses
  • support into and during other suitable courses and training opportunities
  • support into volunteering opportunities, including in-house employability skills training.
156 Cowgate
Edinburgh
EH1 1RP

0131 260 9721

mail@accesstoindustry.co.uk

ACE IT

is a charity which helps older people learn digital skills and get online with confidence. You can receive support if you are over 50 years old and looking to use digital devices. You can receive one to one coaching at locations across Edinburgh.

25 Nicolson Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9BX

0131 667 2053

info@aceit.org.uk

Care and Repair

offer older people and people with disabilities a small electrical repair service and can go into people’s homes to provide one-off fixes such as setting up a printer. A fully qualified electrician can carry out jobs such as

  • replacing damaged faceplates, such as sockets, light switches and immersion switches
  • changing fluorescent lights, ceiling lights, security lights, bathroom or kitchen fans, and shower switches
  • replacing cooker hoods
  • installing video doorbells
  • installing fire alarms.

There is some funding available to assist people who receive Pension Credit Guarantee or support group ESA.

Causewayside House
160 Causewayside
Edinburgh
EH9 1PR

0131 337 1111

reception@cre.scot

Cyrenians

A digital skills programme is embedded within ’ current Foundations to Employment service as part of the employability offer. Digital sessions are one to one, focused on identified needs and working at the pace of the individual. If the person is seeking employment, there is a focus on creating a CV, navigating job search websites and online job applications.

Clients are encouraged to engage digitally with their GP service, Job Centre Plus and job search websites. Clients gain skills and confidence to make digital connections through the one-to-one tailored support.

57 Albion Road
Edinburgh
EH7 5QY

0131 475 2354

foundations@cyrenians.scot

Edinburgh Libraries

have an Edinburgh Future Libraries Strategy 2025 to 2030 with five strategic themes, one of which is to 'enable and develop digitally connected communities'. The goals are to

  • reintroduce self-service kiosk and remote access to library web- and app-based resources
  • support improved access to the internet and online information through the introduction of digital tablets in selected libraries
  • explore opportunities to provide access to digital learning and new technologies such as maker spaces and virtual reality to combat digital exclusion and encourage participation.

There are currently 115 public access computers across Edinburgh libraries that are going to be upgraded shortly. The old devices will be reused or recycled, due to the forthcoming Windows 11 software not being compatible with old devices.

getonline@edinburgh.gov.uk

Edinburgh Remakery

is an award-winning environmental social enterprise based in Leith with a mission is to put an end to waste. They refurbish donated laptops, desktops and other devices, giving them a new lease on life. 20% of refurbished devices are donated to individuals and families in need.

13A Newkirkgate
Edinburgh
EH6 6AD

07708 477 136

hello@edinburghremakery.org.uk

Hearts Foundation

for young people, including some holiday programmes.

Tynecastle Park
McLeod Street
EH11 2NL

digitaleducation@homplc.co.uk

Hibs Community Foundation

A digital drop-in is run from Hibs Community Foundation at Easter Road (North Stand) on a Wednesday between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Digital advice and support is available as well as SIM cards for people struggling to connect. The drop-in is run in partnership with the Simon Community and is followed by a community lunch which attendees are welcome to stay for.

Hibs Community Foundation
Easter Road Stadium
12 Albion Place
Edinburgh
EH7 5QG

LEAD Scotland

support disabled people to learn how to stay safe and secure online in a range of ways. They run courses face-to-face or online with a local learning project.

Studio 1.09
St Margaret’s House
151 London Road
Edinburgh
EH7 6AE

0131 228 9441

enquiries@lead.org.uk

Lifecare

Lifecare have provided a number of digital support sessions given by ACE IT as drop-in clinics in the café. These are not a permanent fixture but are ad hoc throughout the year when ACEIT are able to offer time.

LifeCare Centre
2 Cheyne Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1JB

0131 343 0940

enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Milan Senior Welfare Organisation

is a registered charitable organisation providing services in Edinburgh and Lothian for older people and unpaid carers from South Asian communities. They are dedicated to meeting social, cultural, recreational, language, and care needs and deliver some digital inclusion support.

411 Gilmerton Road
Edinburgh

0131 475 2307

admin@milanswc.org

National Databank

provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. Partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Three regularly donate mobile data SIM cards.

Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network (a network of organisations helping people use or access the internet locally) can apply for data packages anytime. SIM cards are distributed via community hubs across the UK who activate and gift the free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty or living on a low income in their community.

There are around 30 hubs in Edinburgh that distribute SIM cards from the National Databank.

hello@goodthingsfoundation.org

Networking Key Services

Networking Key Services (NKS) deliver holistic support for those from South-Asian communities. One of the projects that NKS delivers specifically supports individuals with digital learning.

7 Gillespie Street
Edinburgh
EH3 9NH

0131 221 1915

nks@nkshealth.co.uk

Old Town Crannie

is a community hub for residents of the Old Town. Located in Cranston Street off the Canongate, the Crannie is a busy place with many activities, gatherings, events and meetings. You can get digital support on Thursdays between 12 noon and 2pm. Book in to see knowledgeable volunteers who can help you with how to navigate your phone, tablet or laptop.

9 Cranston Street
Edinburgh
EH8 8BE

0131 557 2244

thecrannie@eotdt.org

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs is a federation run by volunteers to assist over 50's with their devices.

137 Dundee Street / Drumbrae Library.

0131 529 5616

sscc.scotland@gmail.com

Simon Community

runs a digital drop-in on Fridays between 1.30pm and 4pm at the Streetwork Hub. This is primarily aimed at those experiencing homelessness and is limited to 15 people for each drop-in - first come first served.

Streetwork Hub
22 Holyrood Road
EH8 8AF

0808 178 2323

Skills Development Scotland

have a Digital Learning Initiative designed to help Scots boost their digital skills. It brings together training offered by AWS, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce to help people improve their digital skills. Free, accessible online courses cover subjects including

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • cyber security
  • software development
  • data science.  

This initiative is also designed to help employers to manage the skills needed in their workplaces, helping to boost productivity with the latest digital skills. Anyone can access the full range of courses available.

Space at the Broomhouse Hub

Get a helping hand with all things digital at the weekly drop-in group provided by . Whether sorting email, downloading mobile apps or accessing social media, just pop into the cafe for assistance.

No booking required. Laptops are available for use or you can bring your own device.

Classes are currently held on Wednesdays between 2pm and 4pm.

79-89 Broomhouse Crescent
Edinburgh
EH11 3RH

0759 3554 708

meghan.armaghan@spacescot.org

Tap Into IT

is a social enterprise providing a service to support older people in Edinburgh with IT. They offer one-to-one support to help people get set up, as well as running group sessions with a range of partner organisations. There are costs involved either attributable to the individual or to the partner organisation varying depending on the type of activity being delivered.

33 Mertoun Place
Edinburgh
EH11 1JX

07762 982 509

mike.ellis@tapintoit.org.uk

Wester Hailes digital skills support

Digital skills support for adults is offered across the below sessions in Wester Hailes. You can attend a drop-in session which offers support with all things digital. There is no need to book, pop along whenever you want and stay as long as you feel able. There is no set curriculum so you can raise the topics you are interested in learning or need support with, and our Digital team will lend a hand. Equipment is provided or feel free to bring your own device.

  • Mondays between 1pm and 3pm at .
  • Tuesdays between 1pm and 3pm at The Health Agency.
  • Fridays between 10am and 12 noon at Clovenstone Community Centre.

0131 458 3267

info@whalearts.co.uk

Vintage Vibes

is an award-winning charity tackling isolation and loneliness in Edinburgh. It started in 2015 as a fresh new way to combat isolation and loneliness among over 60s (called VIPs) in Edinburgh.

Vintage Vibes creates long lasting one-to-one friendships offering support, companionship and the opportunity for lonely VIPs to be more socially connected and active in their local community. The project also provides digital support to VIPs to keep them connected.

Vintage Vibes
Heart of Newhaven
4-6 Main Street
Edinburgh
EH6 4HY

0131 343 0955