Glasgow families will now have access to free tablets due to a new lending scheme.
The new scheme will allow Willowacre Trust to provide 250 tablets to help people access essential services online such as healthcare appointments, mental health support, training courses, job application and virtual interviews.
The scheme is available for those in the Glasgow area, as well as people living in North and South Lanarkshire.
Simon Freeburn, Digital Participation Officer of Willowacre Trust, said: “Access to a device and data are two of the main barriers to digital inclusion.
“This funding will give us the opportunity to engage with those that are at risk of homelessness to ensure they have the skills, technology and support to do what they need to online.”
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The scheme has been made possible thanks to funding of £80,685 from Hubbub, Virgin Media O2 and Amazon who have supported the running costs of the lending hubs.
Willowacre Trust is one of just five charities to receive a grant from Hubbub and Virgin Media O2’s Tech Lending Community Fund which was set up to tackle digital isolation and e-waste.
Nicola Green, from Virgin Media O2, said: “For people living in temporary accommodation and at risk of digital exclusion, having access to devices and data can be a lifeline.
“That’s why we’re proud to support Glasgow’s Willowacre Trust with the Tech Lending Community Fund to help them support vulnerable people across the city so they can get online and access the services they need."
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David Linden, MP for Glasgow East, said: “Digital exclusion deprives people of the connectivity that others take for granted.
“It is great news that Virgin Media O2 is funding devices and data for Willowacre Trust’s tablet lending scheme, allowing people in temporary accommodation to access public services, training and employment opportunities.”
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