Edinburgh Charity Seeks Help in Bridging the Capital’s Digital Divide

An Edinburgh-based charity is appealing for funding as it steps up its digital offensive in the battle against loneliness.

Established more than 10 years ago, this Edinburgh Charity, Tap into IT works with older people across the city – including those with disabilities and health problems – helping them to access the internet and digital technology.

Its locally accessible services help people to tap into the benefits of the internet using their laptops, iPads and mobile phones. The charity believes its work is now more important than ever, with coronavirus leaving more older people feeling isolated

Executive director Mike Ellis, said: “Many older people feel lonely, left out or dependent as the internet and technology increasingly become the norm for communicating and getting things done.

“Lockdown put an end to their usual clubs in sheltered housing and other community locations, but they have shifted instead to online chat groups of two to four people with helpers, using Zoom or Skype. These give people some much needed company and help them find out what else they can do online, while sharing skills and interests, both digital and otherwise.

“We are asking people to help us to help them ‘tap into IT’. Donations will help fund a place in one of our groups or provide essential tech support to people in their own home.”

Donations can be made at tapintoit.org.uk/donate. Supporters can also help by nominating the charity for funding from the Movement for Good 12 days of giving scheme at movementforgood.com/12days

This article was written by: Julie Douglas, Community Editor, Edinburgh Evening News and was featured in the Life & Times section of the Edinburgh Evening Newspaper on Wednesday, 8 December 2020. She has kindly given permission to include this piece in our News section, incase you missed it!