The Scottish Government’s Digital Lifelines initiative which seeks to reduce the risk of harm and death amongst people who use drugs through digital inclusion and services has secured new funding to continue its work.

Delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) in collaboration with core partners Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations and Simon Community Scotland, Digital Lifelines Scotland (DLS) has been granted £783,150 for 2025/26 with further programme activities planned for delivery over the following two years, subject to funding confirmation.

DLS has committed to improving digital inclusion for people who use drugs, including building confidence, skills and motivation alongside access to devices and connectivity.

Digital solutions have been developed that keep people safe and enable them to become and remain connected to family, friends and relevant support services. The programme was launched in 2021 with an initial £3.2 million in funding from the Scottish Government.

An independent report by Figure 8 Consultancy Services on the impact of Phase Two of DLS has found “significant results [which] show improvements in digital inclusion, access to services, wellbeing [through reduced isolation], and harm reduction for the people and communities involved”. The evaluation report has supported the decision to continue the programme into a third phase.

Since its creation, DLS has reached a significant number of participants, with 5,502 individuals supported, 3,044 digital devices distributed, and 518 staff and volunteers trained in digital inclusion across Scotland. This was delivered through partnerships with 35 organisations across six separate funding rounds.

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Professor Margaret Whoriskey MBE, Head of Innovation for Care & Well Being, DHI, said: “It is a testament to the impact of Digital Lifelines, and the contribution of all delivery partners, that the programme has received additional funding. DLS is making a real positive difference to people at risk of harm from drugs and to the organisations that support them.

“The independent Evaluation evidences the successes achieved through digital inclusion and how this can increase access to services and improve outcomes. I am excited to see how our new collaborations will further enhance learning and embed new ways of working.”