In an effort to enhance digital accessibility in mental health and housing services, the Scottish Government has announced funding through the Digital Inclusion Programme for thirteen pioneering projects. 

The first phase of the program, with a budget of £600,000, is expected to directly benefit more than 1,500 people through digital accessibility. The programme was launched in 2023 under the guidance of the Digital Health and Care directorate, in collaboration with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and Connecting Scotland.

With substantial backing of £2 million, the initiative is an effort to provide online support for services individuals need, particularly mental health and housing services, both of which are in dire need of digital transformation. 

The Scottish Burden of Disease Study recorded a disability-adjusted life year (DALY) across Scotland, where one DALY represents a year of life lost due to the effects of disability. The study projected that the annual number of DALYs attributable to health disorders will increase from roughly 134,600 to 140,918 by 2043, despite projections showing a decline in population overall. 

The future for housing in Scotland looks no better. According to the Solace report, looking at the state of Scottish housing, 250,000 people are on a waiting list for a council house but only 26,000 were allocated one last year. 

The thirteen projects, referred to as ‘Digital Pioneers’ will lead the development, testing, and implementation of programs geared to improved access to these services. The program will run for two years and is expected to improve understanding and strategies digital inclusion will bring in housing and mental health contexts. 

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“Supporting people to feel more digitally confident so they can access the services they need online is absolutely vital and it is one of our long-standing commitments,” said Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for NHS recovery, health and social care.

“This programme will see models tested that will help so many people gain the skills they need to improve their own health and know how to access the support that is available to them.”

The thirteen ‘Digital Pioneers’ to improve digital inclusion efforts, and their funding allotments are: Aberdeen Foyer (£54,867), Blackwood Homes and Care (£55,000), Simon Community Scotland (£54,982), Prospect Community Housing Limited (£31,310), Shettleston Housing Association Limited (£54,980), Link Living (£50,268), Queens Cross Housing Association Limited (£42,753), Carr Gomm (£54,677), Saheliya (£54,773), Moray Wellbeing Hub (£54,982), Scottish Association for Mental Health (£51,270), Cyrenians (£36,244), Just Bee Productions (£54,229).