In a bid to combat the alarming rates of drug-related harm and deaths in Scotland, a new initiative called the Digital Lifeline programme is looking to provide essential digital access and support to hundreds of vulnerable individuals across the nation. 

The £3 million initiative, spearheaded by Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), aims to alleviate the isolation and exclusion faced by those at risk due to substance use.

Since it first launched in April 2021, the programme has been instrumental to more than 1,700 participants experiencing homelessness, victims of abuse, or those recently released from custody or hospital, allowing them to connect to essential services, support networks, and opportunities for personal development.

Carrie Thomson, the Scotland portfolio lead for Digital Lifelines at DHI, emphasised the significance of digital access in today’s society: “We all take access to digital services for granted, and it’s not until you don’t have access that the consequences are truly felt.

“In the 21st century, we need to take multiple different approaches to reducing harm and death from drug use by supporting people and tackling stigma. Digital Lifelines is a prime example of that. The model has been proven to work with other groups and has been tailored to help people at risk of harm through drugs,” she continued. 

“It’s exactly what DHI is all about – bringing different services together to deliver meaningful outcomes in health and social care across Scotland.” 

Organisations like Simon Community Scotland and Aberdeen ADA play pivotal roles in delivering the programme on the ground, offering not only devices and connectivity but also tailored support and access to specialised applications addressing acute issues related to substance use. 

“At Simon Community Scotland, we take a broad harm reduction approach when working alongside people who use drugs and we are committed to reducing the subsequent risks and promoting health and wellbeing,” said Nigel Gallear, Digital Inclusion programme manager at Simon Community Scotland.

“Beyond harm reduction we also looked at five broad subjects: communicating with services, finding information, connection with friends and family, entertainment, and learning – one of the most important functions,” he continued. 

“Many of us don’t realise how reliant we are on technology for access to key services. Digitisation in the public and private sector has improved access to services through digital to around 80% of the population, but it’s the 20% – the digitally excluded – that miss out even more.”

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The success of the Digital Lifelines programme has garnered attention beyond Scotland, with other nations such as Ireland and the UAE closely monitoring its progress. Recognising the urgent need for innovative approaches to address drug-related harm, the programme serves as a model for digital inclusion initiatives worldwide.

Christina McKelvie, the Scottish Government’s minister for drugs and alcohol policy, expressed support for initiatives like Digital Lifelines, highlighting their contribution to digital inclusion and improved access to vital services and support.

“This is important to ensure that as many people as possible get access to the improved services, support and experiences in health and social care that digital can deliver,” she said.