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.
0131 260 9721
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 9BX0131 667 2053
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 1PR0131 337 1111
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 5QY0131 475 2354
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.
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 6AD07708 477 136
hello@edinburghremakery.org.uk
Hearts Foundation
for young people, including some holiday programmes.
Tynecastle Park McLeod Street EH11 2NLHibs 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 5QGLEAD 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 6AE0131 228 9441
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 1JB0131 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 Edinburgh0131 475 2307
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 9NH0131 221 1915
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 8BE0131 557 2244
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
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 8AF0808 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 3RH0759 3554 708
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 1JX07762 982 509
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
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 4HY0131 343 0955