Support with digital skills, devices and data

The groups below can support you to improve your confidence getting online and using your device.

Access to Industry

Focus: Skills support.

Access Data run by Access to Industry supports individuals in gaining or improving knowledge and skills related to the worlds of IT and data, preparing them for the demands of the contemporary job market. Tailored to individual needs, the project is suitable both for those with no previous experience in data, as well as those who already possess some knowledge and skills.

It offers:

• One-to-one tailored caseworker support on every step of the way towards employment
• A range of SQA-accredited IT/Data courses
• Support into and during other suitable courses and training opportunities
• Support into volunteering opportunities, including in-house employability skills training.

Who is this for: People looking for employment.

Where is it:

Contact: call 0131 260 9721 or email.

Find out more on their website.

ACE IT

Focus: Skills support.

ACE IT is a charity which helps older people to learn digital skills and get online with confidence.

Who is this for: Anyone over the age of 50 can receive support to use digital devices through one-to-one coaching at locations across Edinburgh.

Where is it:

Contact: call 0131 667 2053 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Care and Repair

Focus: Support with devices.

Care and Repair offer a small electrical repair service and can go into people’s homes to provide one-off fixes such as setting up a printer.  A fully qualified electrician can carry out jobs such as:

• replacing damaged faceplates (sockets, light switches and immersion switches)
• changing fluorescent lights, ceiling lights, security lights, bathroom or kitchen fans, and shower switches
• replacing cooker hoods
• installing video doorbells
• installing fire alarms.

There is some funding available to assist people who receive Pension Credit Guarantee or support group ESA.

Who is this for:

• Older people
• People with disabilities.

Where is it:

Contact: call 0131 337 1111 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Cyrenians

Focus: Skills support.

A digital skills programme is embedded within Cyrenians’ current Foundations to Employment service as part of the employability offer.  Digital sessions are one to one, focused on identified needs and working at the pace of the individual. If the person is seeking employment, there is a focus on creating a CV, navigating job search websites and online job applications.

Clients are encouraged to engage digitally with their GP service, Job Centre Plus and job search websites. Clients gain skills and confidence to make digital connections through the one-to-one tailored support.

Who is this for: People looking for employment.

Where is it:

Contact: call 0131 475 2354 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Edinburgh Libraries

Focus: Computers for your use.

The Edinburgh Future Libraries Strategy 2025 - 2030 has five strategic themes, one of which is to "Enable and develop digitally connected communities".  The goals beneath this theme are to:

• reintroduce self-service kiosk and remote access to library web- and app-based resources
• support improved access to the internet and online information through the introduction of digital tablets in selected libraries
• explore opportunities to provide access to digital learning and new technologies such as maker spaces and virtual reality to combat digital exclusion and encourage participation.

There are currently 115 public access computers across Edinburgh libraries that are going to be upgraded shortly. The old devices will be reused or recycled, due to the forthcoming Windows 11 software not being compatible with old devices.

Who is this for: Anyone.

Contact: email.

Find out more on their website.

Edinburgh Remakery

Focus: Devices for clients to keep.

The Edinburgh Remakery is an award-winning environmental social enterprise based in Leith with a mission is to put an end to waste.  They refurbish donated laptops, desktops, and other devices, giving them a new lease on life. 20% of refurbished devices are donated to individuals and families in need.

Who is this for: Anyone.

Where is it:

Contact: call 07708477136 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Hearts Foundation

Focus: Skills support.

Digital education courses for young people (including some holiday programmes).

Who is this for: Young people.

Where is it:

Contact: email.

Find out more on their website.

Hibs Community Foundation

Focus: Skills support/support with devices/data.

A digital drop-in is run from Hibs Community Foundation at Easter Road (North Stand) on a Wednesday 10.30am – 12.30am.  Digital advice and support is available as well as SIM cards for people struggling to connect.  The drop-in is run in partnership with the Simon Community and is followed by a community lunch which attendees are welcome to stay for.

Who is this for: Anyone.

Where is it:

LEAD Scotland

Focus: Skills support.

LEAD Scotland support disabled people to learn how to stay safe and secure online in a range of ways.  They run courses face-to-face or online with a local learning project.

Who is this for: People with disabilities.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 228 9441 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Lifecare

Focus: Skills support.

Lifecare have provided a number of digital support sessions given by ACE IT as drop-in clinics in the café.  These are not a permanent fixture but are ad hoc throughout the year when ACEIT are able to offer time.

Who is this for: Older people.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 343 0940 or email.

Milan Senior Welfare Organisation

Focus: Skills support.

Milan Senior Welfare Organisation is a registered charitable organisation providing services in Edinburgh and Lothian for older people and unpaid carers from South Asian communities. They are dedicated to meeting social, cultural, recreational, language, and care needs and deliver some digital inclusion support.

Who is this for: Older people and unpaid carers from South Asian communities.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 475 2307 or email.

Find out more on their website.

National Data Bank

Focus: Data.

National Databank provides free mobile SIM cards for people who can’t access the internet. Partners Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three regularly donate mobile data SIM cards.

Members of the National Digital Inclusion Network (a network of organisations helping people use or access the internet locally) can apply for data packages anytime. SIM cards are distributed via community hubs across the UK who activate and gift the free mobile data to people experiencing data poverty or living on a low income in their community.

Who is this for: People on low incomesy.

Where is it: There are around 30 hubs in Edinburgh that distribute SIM cards from the National Databank.

Contact: email.

Find out more on their website.

Networking Key Services

Focus: Skills support.

Networking Key Services (NKS) deliver holistic support for those from South-Asian communities.  One of the projects that NKS delivers specifically supports individuals with digital learning.

Who is this for: People from South-Asian communities.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 221 1915 or email.

Old Town Crannie

Focus: Skills support/support with devices.

The Crannie is a community hub for residents of the Old Town. Located in Cranston Street off the Canongate, the Crannie is a busy place with many activities, gatherings, events and meetings.

Digital Support: Thursday 12pm – 2pm.

Need help with your digital devices? Book in to see knowledgeable volunteers who can help you with how to navigate your phone, tablet or laptop.

Who is this for: Residents of the Old Town.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 557 2244 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs

Focus: Skills support/support with devices.

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs is a federation run by volunteers to assist over 50's with their devices.

Who is this for: Older people.

Where is it:

Contact: 01315295616 or email.

Simon Community

Focus: Skills support/data.

The Simon Community runs a digital drop-in on Fridays from 1:30pm to 4pm at the Streetwork Hub (22 Holyrood Road).  This is primarily aimed at those experiencing homelessness and is limited to 15 people for each drop-in (first come first served).

Who is this for: People experiencing homelessness.

Where is it:

Contact: 0808 178 2323.

Find out more on their website.

Skills Development Scotland

Focus: Skills support

Skills Development Scotland have a Digital Learning Initiative designed to help Scots boost their digital skills.  It brings together training offered by AWS, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce to help people improve their digital skills.  Free, accessible online courses cover subjects including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Software Development and Data Science.  This initiative is also designed to help employers to manage the skills needs in their workplaces, helping to boost productivity with the latest digital skills.  Anyone can access the full range of courses available via the dedicated landing page.

Who is this for: Anyone

Where is it: Online and at various in person locations.

Find out more on their website.

Space at the Broomhouse Hub

Focus: Skills support/support with devices/computers for your use.

Get a helping hand with all things digital at the weekly drop-in group. Whether sorting email, downloading mobile apps, or accessing social media, just pop into the cafe for assistance.

No booking required. Laptops are available for use or bring your own device.

Classes are currently held on Wednesdays, 2pm – 4pm.

Who is this for: Anyone.

Where is it:

Contact: 0759 3554 708 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Tap Into IT

Focus: Skills support.

Tap into IT is a social enterprise providing a service to support older people in Edinburgh with IT.  They offer one-to-one support to help people get set up, as well as running group sessions with a range of partner organisations.  There are costs involved either attributable to the individual or to the partner organisation varying depending on the type of activity being delivered.

Who is this for: Older people.

Where is it:

Contact: 07762 982 509 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Wester Hailes Digital Skills Support

Focus: Skills support/computers for your use.

Mondays, 1pm – 3pm at WHALE Arts.

Tuesdays, 1.00pm – 3.00pm at The Health Agency.

Fridays, 10am – 12pm at Clovenstone Community Centre.

Digital skills support for adults is offered across these sessions in Wester Hailes.  These are drop-in sessions offering support with all things digital. There is no need to book, pop along whenever you want and stay as long as you feel able. There is no set curriculum so you can raise the topics you are interested in learning or need support with, and our Digital Team will lend a hand. Equipment is provided or feel free to bring your own device.

Who is this for: Anyone.

Where is it: Wester Hailes, various venues.

Contact: 0131 458 3267 or email.

Find out more on their website.

Vintage Vibes

Focus: Skills support.

Vintage Vibes is an award-winning charity tackling isolation and loneliness in Edinburgh.  It started in 2015 as a fresh new way to combat isolation and loneliness among over 60s (called VIPs) in Edinburgh.

Vintage Vibes creates long lasting one-to-one friendships offering support, companionship and the opportunity for lonely VIPs to be more socially connected and active in their local community. The project also provides digital support to VIPs to keep them connected.

Who is this for: Older people.

Where is it:

Contact: 0131 343 0955.

Find out more on their website.