Digital Support Workers help tackle data poverty
Congratulations to our Digital Health and Care Support Workers (DHCSW), who recently became members of the National Digital Inclusion Network following the success of their project in the Irvine Valley community.
For almost a year, our DHCSWs have been tackling data poverty and digital exclusion by issuing SIM cards to people on low incomes and supporting them to access the National Databank.
Since July 2023 they have also been empowering Irvine Valley residents to feel more confident when using digital health and care supports, such as ordering repeat prescriptions online, using the online GP consultation app (eConsult), accessing the NHS Near Me website and using other health monitoring apps and digital tools.
Their weekly ‘Smart Hub’ drop-in at Ross Court Resource Centre has given the community a place to find help and support with a range of technology, as have their ‘Cuppa TEC’ groups and ‘TEC backpack’ demonstrations.
Following its success, it is hoped the project will soon expand to other areas in East Ayrshire.
DHCSW, Haylee Brogan, said: “We are really excited to help support people to get digitally connected through our data bank scheme.”
The Digital Health and Care Support Workers are based in the Irvine Valley, where our Thinking Differently Team began researching the East Ayrshire Pathfinder Project in 2020.
Find out more about the project on the TEC Scotland website.
You can also visit the East Ayrshire Digital Health Care page on Facebook to stay up-to-date with all things digital health and care in the Irvine Valley.
Contact the Digital Health and Care Team via email or call 07407 115 824.
